June 20, 2023 – On Monday, Israel’s security forces were involved in clashes with Palestinian militants in the West Bank town of Jenin. Seven soldiers from Israel’s elite paratroop brigade, the border police, and a dog handler from the Oketz (Sting) canine unit were wounded.  

Seven Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldiers were wounded after an incident in Jenin Monday, where explosive devices damaged an IDF armored vehicle. Five soldiers were airlifted to Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam), Haifa, Israel, for treatment. Dago, a dog from the Sting unit, was also airlifted and brought to Rambam.

Soon after that, Professor Miki Halberthal, Rambam’s general director, confirmed that the five soldiers were brought to the Green-Wagner Department of Emergency Medicine at Rambam with minor to moderate injuries. “None of the injuries the soldiers sustained, mostly on their lower limbs, were life-threatening, and the wounded were fully conscious. Two required emergency surgery and the other three were admitted for treatment in appropriate medical departments at Rambam,” he said.

In the meantime, the medical team attending to the wounded soldiers, noticed that Dago seemed to be suffering. A veterinarian from the Sting unit, was brought in. Tests revealed that the dog had internal bleeding and a small fracture in the pelvis. ‘Bed-rest’ was prescribed.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai visited the wounded at Rambam.

Tuesday morning, Professor Halberthal said, “I am happy to report that the dog handler and Dago have been discharged. The four other soldiers are still receiving treatment at Rambam.”

 Photo: ‘Bed-rest’ for Dago

Photography: Rambam HCC