The Unsung Heroes of Iron Dome Are Not Who You Think: Who is Guarding Israeli Skies?
Meet the soldiers surprising team operating Israel's Iron Dome defense system during the Swords of Iron war, showcasing their crucial role in protecting Israeli civilians.
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These soldiers have saved Israeli's lifes multiple times, but the civilians have no clue of who are they.
Somewhere in southern Israel, under the hum of radar and the tension of incoming threats, women soldiers are carrying one of the heaviest responsibilities in modern warfare: the operation and protection of the Iron Dome. As part of the Swords of Iron war, their role has become not only strategic but symbolic of Israel’s resilience.
Under Control
Inside the control rooms and on the ground, female combat soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are at the heart of the world’s most advanced aerial and missile defense system. Staff Sergeant Y, who serves as an interceptor operator, describes the pressure in a single sentence:
“We see on our screens that there have been launches, and when we see a missile coming, we take it down. You feel like you have the whole world on your shoulders, but you carry it with so much pride.”
The Iron Dome’s split-second decision-making demands both precision and nerve. For these women, it is not just a mission, it’s a commitment to every civilian living under the shadow of rockets.
A Life Lived for Saving Lives
Sergeant I, serving in the war room, insists that gender is irrelevant in the defense of the country.
“I wouldn’t say that people are surprised,” she says. “In our country, everyone takes part in defending, no matter what job they have, whether man or woman. We all operate and we all do our jobs.”
On the ground, Sergeant A takes a different post: securing the very batteries that shield Israel’s skies. For her, the human dimension outweighs the military hardware.
“It’s an incredible feeling to see people not being afraid of the missiles because they know that we’re here to defend them.”
A Message of Hope
Their testimonies reflect not only operational excellence but also a profound sense of purpose. Women in the IDF are not supporting players; they are critical actors in Israel’s survival. In the Swords of Iron war, their presence on the frontlines of air defense is proof that Israel’s security is a shared responsibility, one in which women carry as much weight as men.
As missiles continue to rain down, the calm confidence of these young women ensures that life below continues. They embody both the vulnerability and the strength of a nation under fire, standing as protectors for millions and as symbols of courage for many beyond Israel’s borders.