IDF dog killed after exposing Hezbollah terrorists, saving troops

An IDF military dog named Bernie was killed in Southern Lebanon after uncovering Hezbollah terrorists lying in wait inside a building, preventing what could have been a deadly ambush on Israeli troops.

Forces from the Oketz unit, the IDF’s elite canine unit specializing in counter-terrorism, explosives detection, and combat support—identified suspicious signs and sent Bernie in after aerial surveillance. She advanced through the structure, reached the upper level, and engaged the terrorists, even biting one before being shot and killed.

The gunfire exposed the ambush, with terrorists later found positioned with weapons and grenades. Commanders said her actions likely saved the lives of nearby troops, who would have otherwise entered the building unaware.

Oketz, founded in 1974 following a wave of terror attacks, operates across all fronts with highly trained dogs paired closely with their handlers—making Bernie’s sacrifice both operationally critical and deeply personal for her unit.