The Combat Intelligence Collection Corps (CICC) of the Israel Defence Forces is a specialised ground forces corps tasked with frontline intelligence and surveillance. Their general mission is to prevent hostile activity and defend Israel’s borders by gathering real-time combat intelligence. Often described as the “eyes of the army,” CICC units observe enemy movements and direct combat units to threats before they materialise. In essence, the corps provides early warning and improves the effectiveness and precision of air and ground forces during routine security and wartime operations. 

Images Sourced From: Israel Hayom, IDF, Zachi Evenor, Jerusalem Post

1 Background

The Combat Intelligence Collection Corps itself was formally created as a distinct corps in April 2000. For its first years, it was referred to as the Field Intelligence Corps and was professionally subordinate to the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate. 

1.1 From Field Intelligence to Combat Intelligence Collection Corps

After the Second Lebanon War (2006), the IDF General Staff decided to bolster and refocus the corps based on lessons learned about visual intelligence and border security. In late 2008, the corps was renamed to “Combat Intelligence Collection Corps”. Aiming to emphasise its combat role and distinguish it from the strategic intelligence units. 

The Field Intelligence Corps wanted to transfer its intelligence responsibilities to the newly designated Combat Intelligence Corps. It marked a strategic shift to focus exclusively on combat intelligence collection. This decision aimed to enhance the Corps’ operational capabilities in its core mission, with its areas of responsibility narrowed to combat collection only. 

With this restructuring, the Combat Collection Intelligence Corps became responsible for additional operational functions previously handled by other units, such as reconnaissance departments (MHSAR) currently operating within the Engineering Corps. The restructuring also included the continuation of three existing battalions: Shahaf, Nitzan, and Nesher. These battalions, along with the Combat Intelligence School, formed the backbone of the new Corps, focusing on the training of intelligence fighters and observers for field operations.

The name change took effect in November 2009. The Combat Collection Corps came under the command of the Border Protection Unit, together with Border Infantry Units, until their final unification within the Border Protection Corps in July 2020. Today, it works under the Border Protection Corps. [source, source, source]

2 Women’s Role in CICC

Women of the CICC have been actively involved in critical missions, often at the front lines of conflict. During Hamas’s surprise assault on 7 October 2023, female soldiers in the CICC were among the first to confront the aggressors. At the Nahal Oz border outpost near Gaza, 19 female observers found themselves defending their post when dozens of armed intruders breached the border. These unarmed lookouts acted with courage, urgently alerting units of the attack in progress. Fifteen of the female observers at Nahal Oz were killed, and 7 were taken captive by Hamas during the attack. 

These casualties among the CICC’s “eyes on the border,” who had reportedly warned for months about rising threats from Gaza, became a haunting symbol of the 7 October attack. Despite the losses, the female observers’ courage highlighted their vital operational role.

In the war that followed, CICC women continued serving on the front lines. Deployed with IDF units, they gathered enemy intelligence and helped direct strikes.

In a recent incident in March 2025, five female combat intelligence soldiers riding in an unarmored jeep were wounded in an ambush near Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. Their vehicle was hit by a rocket from a hidden Hamas cell. Only a rapid response by nearby forces prevented the ambushers from attempting to kidnap the injured soldiers. These examples highlight both the contributions and the dangers faced by women in the CICC. They have been integral to Israel’s combat operations. From detecting attacks to accompanying ground troops into battle, even as they have incurred casualties and demonstrated heroism under fire. [source, source] 

2.1 New Combat Unit for Religious Women

In late 2024, the IDF approved the creation of Israel’s first women-only combat unit to be deployed within the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps. This initiative was a response to a surge of religious women volunteering for combat roles after 7 October. The new unit, formed with guidance from female religious authorities, enables observant women to serve without concerns about mixed-gender interactions. It marked a historic first. The unit recognises the desire of religious women to join combat while preserving their way of life.

On 7 May 2025, Brigadier General Shay Tayeb, head of the IDF’s Personnel Directorate Planning and Personnel Management Division, reported that women now make up a record 20.9% of the military’s combat force. While female participation in technological units is also rising, he emphasised that the most significant growth is in combat roles. [source, source, source]

3 The Combat Intelligence School & Recruitment 

The Combat Intelligence School, officially known as the Centre for Reconnaissance and Intelligence, serves as the primary training institution for the Israel Defence Forces’ (IDF) Combat Intelligence Collection Corps. 

Located in the Negev Desert near Eilat, the school provides basic, advanced, and specialised training for CICC soldiers. It covers camouflage, navigation, reconnaissance, and surveillance, preparing them for roles like field observers and intelligence scouts. Additionally, the school offers courses for those pursuing leadership positions, including commanders’ and officers’ training programs.

As part of recruitment, training commanders assess each recruit two weeks after enlistment. They evaluate psychological profile, physical condition, and motivation to assign them to a specific battalion. As one example, to qualify as a field reconnaissance specialist, candidates must have a medical profile of 82 or 97. It is based on the IDF’s health classification system. Where 97 indicates full fitness for combat, and 82 allows for minor limitations. A minimum intelligence score of 40, reflecting strong cognitive ability as measured through IDF-administered psychometric and problem-solving tests rather than a traditional IQ exam.

Training Recruitment Program:

• Basic Training (16 weeks) – Conducted at the Combat Intelligence School, this phase includes core military skills and Rifleman 05 certification.
  
• Advanced Training (20 weeks) – Also held at the Combat Intelligence School, this phase focuses on reconnaissance tactics, navigation, camouflage, and combat intelligence, leading to Scout 07 qualification.
  
• Unit-Specific Training (~8 weeks) – Carried out under the operational command of the assigned region (Northern, Southern, or Central Command). This phase prepares soldiers for the specific terrain, threats, and equipment of their battalion. [source, source]

Picture of the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps instruction training base tag [source]

4 Gaza operations 

Since the beginning of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip on 7 October, soldiers from Unit 414 (“Nesher” or “Eagle”) have played a critical role in supporting IDF combat teams. 

Unit 414, also known as Battalion 414 of the IDF’s Border Protection Corps, is a mixed-gender combat intelligence unit operating under the Gaza Division. Its primary mission is to gather real-time intelligence on terrorist activity and infrastructure within the Gaza Strip. It plays a critical role in frontline operations. It uses surveillance systems and advanced drones to support the IDF’s ground and air forces.

According to the unit’s spokesperson, CICC fighters have played a key role in locating and targeting terrorist assets. These include tunnel shafts, anti-tank positions, and Hamas surveillance posts. So far, Unit 414 has uncovered over 100 tunnel shafts, destroyed around 200 enemy sites, and identified dozens of rocket and mortar launchers. These operations use advanced observation systems and close coordination with intelligence units to enable rapid sensor-to-shooter responses.

The unit sustained significant casualties during the 7 October Hamas attack. However, it has returned to the field and is fully integrated into ground operations in Gaza. In a statement, the IDF reaffirmed its commitment to those affected by the October 7 attack:

“The commanders of Battalion 414 and the leadership of the Border Defence Corps continue to support bereaved families, wish for the safe return of the abducted, and extend their heartfelt hopes for the full recovery of all those wounded.”

[source, source, source, source, source]

5 Conclusion

The Combat Intelligence Collection Corps (CICC) stands as a vital pillar of Israel’s ground forces, combining advanced surveillance capabilities with tactical reconnaissance to safeguard national security.

The corps proved its operational value after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack. Despite heavy losses, Battalion 414 returned to combat and led key missions in Gaza. They located tunnel shafts, tracked enemy assets, and coordinated with air and ground forces to eliminate threats. Moreover, the CICC has pioneered gender integration in combat roles. The sacrifices of female soldiers at Nahal Oz highlighted both the risks and their vital contributions. As a result, more women now serve in combat than ever before. In response, the IDF created its first religious female combat unit—a historic step for Israel’s military.

Overall, the corps continues to lead global efforts in military gender integration. With elite training, advanced technology, and an expanded role, the CICC remains well-adapted to modern warfare.