Following border attack, Israel's only co-ed combat unit is granted recognition

By Tia Goldenberg, The Associated Press

 

FILE - In this Dec. 20, 2006, file photo Israeli soldiers listen to their commander as they prepare for a march near Ein Yahav in southern Israel. A deadly shootout along Israel's border with Egypt on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 has shone a spotlight on Israel's only mixed female and male combat unit, granting some recognition to a group that has faced much skepticism and often been the butt of jokes since its inception. Friday's attack was a major test for the Caracal Battalion, which is used to more tame operations, and the soldiers' participation was credited with helping to slay the three gunmen. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, File)

JERUSALEM - A deadly shootout last week along Israel's border with Egypt has shined a spotlight on Israel's only mixed female and male combat unit, granting some recognition to a group that has faced much skepticism and often been the butt of jokes since its inception.
The Caracal battalion's response to the militant attack on Friday — which left three gunmen dead, including one whom Israeli officials said was killed by a female soldier — marked a major test for the unit that typically handles tame operations. One Israeli soldier also was killed...Continue reading...