Antennas on the mountains of Lebanon and "black networks": the secret battle for the eyes of the IDF

An in-depth article about Battalion 858 ("Eitanim") from the Choshen Unit, responsible for the IDF's stationary communication infrastructure. The commanders describe the operational expansion over the past three years from Lebanon and Syria to Gaza, the lessons from October 7 when Hamas damaged divisional communications, and the race against the enemy in AI and electronic warfare while maintaining system survivability.

An in-depth article about Battalion 858 ("Eitanim") from the Choshen Unit of the Signal Corps, known in the IDF as "the IDF's Bezeq company." The battalion is responsible for the stationary communication infrastructure across the entire military, divided into four regional companies: North, Center, South, and Headquarters. In the past three years, and especially in the last year and a half, the battalion's activity has expanded significantly across all Middle Eastern theaters – from Lebanon and Syria to Gaza and additional locations. The battalion commander, Lt. Col. S., explains that the battalion provides communication capabilities for existing and new headquarters, enabling fighter jets and infantry units to communicate with the home front. Capt. A., commander of the northern company operating in southern Lebanon and the buffer zone in Syria, describes support for 170 communication facilities, including deployment during the conquest of Beaufort to create command and control continuity along the Lebanon mountain range and Mount Hermon. The commanders refer to lessons from October 7, 2023, when Hamas damaged communication infrastructure and the Gaza Division was almost completely cut off – one of the reasons for the division's collapse. Since then, the battalion has operated in a more "survivable" manner and improved capabilities for a similar scenario. The commanders emphasize the global race in AI and electronic capabilities, and the need for balance between the advantage of height for transmission and the wider exposure of forces. The battalion uses "black and red networks" and maintains shielding and camouflage to prevent the enemy from piggybacking on data traffic. The commanders note a high sense of mission among the soldiers, despite the challenges and attrition.