08/30/2024
PROPOSAL: An Elite Canine Unit to Reinforce the IDF’s Emergency Counter-Terrorism Rapid Response Team in the Golan Heights
Overview: The most pressing concern and question occupying the minds of many Israelis and Diaspora Jews at this time is, “How can another October 7th be prevented on Israel’s periphery.
The Golan Heights in particular presents the IDF with a number of challenges due to its isolation complex accessibility and difficult strategic position. Faced with a number of hostile fronts, even in the best of scenarios, it could take days before sufficient IDF mobilization is in place and available for an effective response.
Hand-picked warriors from Israel’s most elite army unites, who live in the Golan, are ready to meet these challenges. The IDF has formed “"פרא, a Counter-Terrorism Rapid Response Team which will comprise of four divisions and a command center covering the Golan from North to South.
If God forbid there is an infiltration, terror attack, hostage situation or similar emergency, these teams will be able to respond immediately – working independently or in tandem – depending on the situation, until the necessary army reinforcements are mobilized and deployed.
The “"פרא unit will actively train each week among themselves and with the regular IDF security squads of each community in the Golan Heights – creating an effective, organized and prepared security force for the entire area.
What’s missing?
The Swords of Iron War has made it clear to everyone that combat dogs play an essential, unique and invaluable role in Israel’s remarkable ability to combat terrorism under extraordinarily demanding circumstances. The IDF’s Oketz Canine Unit has more than proven itself and is much in demand. The war has exacted a heavy price on these heroic dogs.
The “"פרא unit would greatly benefit by having 1 trained combat dog per team – a total of four dogs plus one for the command center. The IDF’s “"פרא unit is working to find a feasible solution to fill this void.
As already stated, there is an essential time factor and strategic challenges involved with getting these dogs to the North in a time-sensitive emergency. After much consideration, it is felt that a homegrown solution is best.
• Combat dogs of this caliber must live with and train with their handlers on a daily basis.
• It could take many months for the IDF’s canine unit to consider the numerous urgent nation-wide requests on Israel’s periphery, and meet those needs.
• Any trained combat dogs acquired independently by the IDF’s Golan“"פרא unit would be considered outside of the IDF’s current Canine Unit and would have to be maintained independently.
The Solution
Menachem Horowitz, a renowned dog trainer and resident of the Golan Heights, is a member of the “"פרא unit. He currently serves in elite units of both the police and army and was a commander in Oketz. He has been appointed as the commander of the canine division of the Golan unit. He has already acquired one combat dog, which he trained, and has combat experience and will now be serving on the commander’s team of the “"פרא unit.
Menachem plans to hand-pick Belgium Shepherd puppies born in Israel (the preferred breed of dogs used by IDF combat forces) and he will use his facilities and resources to train the dogs in combat, search and rescue [please refer to the brochure and video provided]. Once the dogs are trained and the soldier-handlers (also residents of the Golan who served in Oketz, and who are now on the “"פרא team) are assigned to a dog, these dogs will become an official part of the IDF unit. Once trained, the Golan Regional Council will assume the costs for their care, maintenance and health.
Budget (non-profit project) for 6 months preparatory training for combat dogs
DESCRIPTION
COST
COMMENT
Untrained premium chosen Israeli-born Belgium Shepherd puppies
NIS 7000/dog
The goal is to eventually have 5 dogs (1 per team plus the command center)
1 dog has been acquired
*6 months training, time, facilities, equipment, trained staff, veterinary care, food, insurance
NIS 25,000/dog
*Menachem is volunteering a good portion of his own time and resources towards this project for the benefit of the unit
Total: NIS 128,000
For Further Details Contact Menachem Horowitz:
972 51 557 3770
