DAY 648 OF THE WAR: Israel Acts to Protect Syrian Druze; Legal Pushback Against “Humanitarian City” Plan Mounts; New Report Details October 7 Attack on Israeli Base
Tel Aviv Diary, July 15, 2025
DAY 648 OF THE WAR: Israel Acts to Protect Syrian Druze; Legal Pushback Against “Humanitarian City” Plan Mounts; New Report Details October 7 Attack on Israeli Base
Tonight, reports from Doha suggest movement in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Prime Minister Netanyahu has reportedly authorized the Israeli negotiator to agree to additional withdrawals as part of a potential agreement. However, similar claims have surfaced many times before, making it difficult to assess the true significance of this latest development
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ISRAEL RESPONDS TO ASSAULTS ON DRUZE IN SYRIA
The situation in Syria is growing increasingly volatile and alarming. Syrian regime forces— comprised largely of former militiamen—have advanced on the predominantly Druze city of Swayda, entering the urban center and clashing with local residents. In areas they managed to seize, reports indicate the troops carried out acts of humiliation against the Druze population, including forcing Druze men to shave off their own mustaches.
Images of these incidents have struck a painful chord in Israel, evoking haunting memories of Jewish men whose beards were publicly shaved by the Nazis eight decades ago. The scenes have sparked widespread outrage among Israel’s Druze community—deeply loyal citizens who have long served in the IDF and paid a heavy price in past wars. For many, the events in Swayda are not only an attack on their brethren across the border, but an assault on their shared dignity and identity.
In response to the reported abuse and humiliation of Druze civilians in Swayda, Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the Israeli Air Force to resume its strikes against on Syrian regime forces in the area, aiming to pressure Damascus into halting its campaign against the Druze population.
I asked a friend with an intelligence background why the Syrian government would risk such a provocation—especially at a time when it is seeking renewed international legitimacy and even quiet diplomatic openings with Israel. His reply was blunt: “You don’t understand religious extremists.” Perhaps I don’t. To many Muslim extremists, the Druze are viewed as apostates—the worst kind of heretics, non-believers.
The path forward remains uncertain. One hopes that the Syrian government will come to respect the Druze as a distinct religious and cultural community and find a way to coexist peacefully. If not, Israel appears resolute in its commitment to defend the Druze. Still, it would be a tragic irony if an emerging channel of engagement with Syria collapses over this issue.
Unfortunately, Israel has yet to articulate a coherent vision for what kind of future it hopes to see in Syria. One cabinet ministers even tweeted today that Israel should assassinate Syria’s newly installed president—an outrageous and reckless suggestion that underscores the government’s purely reactive posture. Once again, we find ourselves lurching from crisis to crisis without a clear long-term plan.
Reports tonight indicate that Syrian militia forces have withdrawn from the city of Swayda. In response, Israel has pledged to suspend its military operations there.
GAZA
Initial findings indicate that the three IDF soldiers who died yesterday inside a tank were likely victims of an accidental explosion. While the precise cause remains under investigation, early reports point to the unexpected detonation of a tank shell within the vehicle. The exact chain of events remains unclear, and military officials say they are still working to determine how and why the blast occurred.
Such an incident is exceptionally rare. Israel has not seen a similar internal tank explosion in decades. Still, after such prolonged combat, the risk of accidents grows—whether from mechanical failure, ammunition instability, or human error. In this case, preliminary indications suggest a technical malfunction may have been to blame.
LEGAL ALARM OVER GAZA RELIEF ZONE PROPOSAL
Opposition is mounting against the proposed establishment of a so-called “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza and Rafah. A group of prominent Israeli legal scholars—including a former representative of Israel at The Hague—has sent a letter to the IDF Chief of Staff, warning that implementing such a plan could violate both Israeli and international law, potentially rising to the level of a war crime.
As noted previously, the IDF Chief of Staff is already on record opposing the initiative. Nevertheless, several cabinet members continue to advocate for creation of the controversial civilian containment zone. Growing pushback from within the military, coupled with the plan’s significant logistical impracticalities, are making its implementation increasingly unlikely.
IDF FACES SUICIDE CRISIS
Adding to growing concerns within the defense establishment is the alarming rise in suicides among IDF soldiers. In just the past two weeks, several cases have been reported—prompting serious alarm among military and mental health officials. Tragically, this trend is not entirely unexpected. Soldiers today are operating under unprecedented psychological strain—arguably the most intense in Israel’s history—And with no end to the war in sight, the emotional toll is likely to grow even heavier.
POLITICAL TURMOIL
Political turmoil escalated in the Knesset late last night, with growing tensions surrounding the ultra-Orthodox parties and their recurring threats to exit the coalition. The sequence of events is now becoming clearer.
Mounting pressure was directed at Yuli Edelstein, Chair of the Knesset’s Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee, to deliver a draft bill reflecting the agreements reached with ultra-Orthodox leaders just prior to Israel’s recent operation against Iran. Despite intense lobbying—including personal appeals by Prime Minister Netanyahu—Edelstein repeatedly delayed. Some reports even allege that Netanyahu, in frustration, began typing directly on Edelstein’s computer himself, though this remains unconfirmed.
Eventually, by around 11 p.m., a draft was presented during a meeting with ultra-Orthodox party leaders. Expecting only to resolve a handful of outstanding issues, they were stunned to discover that substantial sections of the draft had been altered. When they requested that the changes be marked in red, the entire document reportedly turned red— prompting outrage and a dramatic walkout, with party leaders declaring that no agreement had been reached.
While the precise details of last night’s events remain unverified, they reflect a broader collapse in negotiations between the government and ultra-Orthodox parties. At the heart of the dispute are provisions in the proposed draft law requiring yeshiva students to verify their attendance—possibly through biometric means. They would also be required to report to military offices for initial induction processing in order to receive their exemption from military service. Although Edelstein reportedly made substantial concessions, these provisions crossed red lines for the ultra-Orthodox leadership.
Both Lithuanian factions of the ultra-Orthodox political bloc have since declared their withdrawal from the coalition, and Shas is expected to follow by week’s end—potentially leaving the government without a parliamentary majority.
Complicating matters further is a procedural constraint: a failed vote to dissolve the Knesset, held just before the recent military operation against Iran, triggered a six-month moratorium on bringing the matter to a vote again. Nevertheless, the Degel HaTorah faction has reportedly received instructions from its rabbinic leadership to support dissolution when the Knesset reconvenes after the holidays.
In the interim, Prime Minister Netanyahu has a narrow window to try to salvage the coalition, but no viable solution is currently in sight. Without a legislative resolution, the financial consequences for the ultra-Orthodox community will intensify. Historically, during the 1960s, access to national insurance (Bituach Leumi) was tied to military service—prompting many ultra-Orthodox men to enlist. Although that linkage was severed in the 1980s, mounting economic pressure may once again prove to be a decisive force, in driving enlistment within the ultra-Orthodox community.
SUMMARY OF IDF REPORT OF THE OCT. 7 ATTACK ON THE “MOP DAROM” BASE
The provided sources detail the events of the October 7, 2023, attack on the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Mop [“Mechkar U’Pituach,” Research and Development] Darom base, located south of Nir Oz and approximately 3.5 kilometers (two miles) from the Gaza border. The base, a key IDF facility, was targeted during Hamas's surprise attack. An internal military investigation, led by Lt. Col. Nof Brown and approved by Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, was conducted over nearly 10 months, based on interviews, radio transcripts, surveillance footage, drone imagery, and classified intelligence.
Key Findings and Events of the Attack:
Overrun by Hamas: At least 35 Hamas terrorists managed to overrun the Mop Darom base. They seized operational control for several hours, effectively neutralizing the combat formation until at least 10:00 a.m.. The infiltration of thousands of terrorists simultaneously across dozens of locations made it difficult for reinforcements to arrive.
Casualties: Four Israeli soldiers were killed in the battle, and approximately 17 others were wounded. Ten terrorists were eliminated inside the base during the intense firefight.
Heroism and Tenacity: Despite the initial lack of swift military response, the investigation concluded that the determination, tenacity, and courage of individual soldiers and commanders ultimately prevented a greater loss of life. Soldiers and commanders acted with great bravery and a will to engage, even while injured.
Specific Acts of Valor
Capt. Shilo Rauchberger and a platoon head made a split-second decision to establish defensive positions at the dining hall entrances, saving dozens of lives by preventing terrorists from storming the hall. Captain Rauchberger continued to fight despite being severely injured, eventually succumbing to his wounds.
Sgt. Amichay Rubin was mortally wounded at around 7:30 a.m. while physically blocking terrorists from entering the dining hall.
Staff Sgt. Shlomo Reshetnikov, an IDF volunteer, was also killed by gunfire at the dining hall's front entrance around the same time.
Staff Sgt. Dvir Chaim Rossler was killed at 8:15 a.m. by an explosive while holding the door of a southern shelter closed with his body, saving the lives of two other soldiers inside.
An officer-in-training from the IDF Tactical Command College arrived independently and took command of forces inside the base, organizing security perimeters, positioning machine gunners, and coordinating the evacuation of wounded soldiers. His efforts were singled out for praise and credited with enabling the continued functioning of forces and saving lives.
Air Force and Unit 669 personnel were commended for their professional and collaborative operations under extreme conditions to evacuate the wounded under fire, which saved additional lives.
Deficiencies Identified
The probe found that no effective defensive plan was implemented ahead of the assault. Troops failed to follow protocol, and guard posts were abandoned after rocket sirens, contrary to protocol (though soldiers were not yet aware of a ground infiltration). A critical breakdown in communication between foot soldiers and the base's command room resulted in the absence of early warning or real-time situational assessment. The early damage to command and control capabilities disrupted the company's and base forces' ability to repel the attack.
Timeline of the Battle for Mop Darom Base on October 7, 2023
Pre-Attack (5:30AM): The Golani Brigade's 51st Battalion's Company "Gimel" was arranged for 'dawn alert' based on existing orders and intelligence.
6:29AM: Hamas launched a massive rocket barrage across southern Israel. Simultaneously, terrorists breached the border barrier at dozens of points. With the "Red Color" sirens sounding, most soldiers and commanders entered protected areas like the dining hall, shelters, and command room. Mortar bombs and drones exploded within the base.
6:31AM: Surveillance units reported infiltrations by more than 100 terrorists at ten locations in the company's sector.
6:35AM: A GOC officer confirmed via WhatsApp that everyone in the camp was safe and operational. At the same time, a female observer reported at least 20 terrorists on motorcycles heading towards the base.
Around 6:47AM: Approximately 35 Hamas gunmen breached Mop Darom’s perimeter through gaps in its main and armored vehicle gates. The terrorists quickly targeted the dining hall, where most of Company "Gimel" (about 34 armed soldiers) had taken cover.
7:00AM: Terrorists opened fire on the dining hall using small arms, grenades, machine guns, and shoulder-launched rockets, attempting to massacre the soldiers inside. Simultaneously, battles began between terrorists and soldiers in the shelters and command room. Captain Shilo Rauchberger and a platoon head ordered soldiers to defend the dining hall entrances, preventing the terrorists from storming it.
From 7:00AM onwards: A continuous battle lasting nearly three hours ensued. Terrorists continued intense fire on the dining hall, attempting to create fires and breach entries, but were repelled by the soldiers. Several terrorists were wounded and evacuated.
Around 7:30AM: The platoon commander and another soldier blocked a further infiltration attempt through the dining hall's rear entrance (kitchen). A shoulder-launched missile injured the platoon commander, but he continued to lead the defense. At the main entrance, Sgt. Amichay Rubin was severely wounded while blocking the entry with his body alongside Captain Shilo Rauchberger. Rubin later died from his wounds. Staff Sgt. Shlomo Reshetnikov was also killed by heavy gunfire at the main entrance.
Around 7:30AM (simultaneously): Terrorists fired upon shelters near soldier accommodations, attempting to breach doors with shoulder-launched missiles, explosives, and machine guns. Soldiers inside blocked the doors with their bodies.
Around 8:15AM: Terrorists placed an explosive on the southern shelter's door, killing Staff Sgt. Dvir Chaim Rossler, who was holding the door closed with his body, saving two other soldiers. The explosion damaged the shelter's locking mechanism. Terrorists fired into the shelter but abandoned attempts to breach it.
9:00AM: A small group of five soldiers in a patrol vehicle arrived at the base, found no terrorists, and evacuated two soldiers from the northern shelter. Terrorists began withdrawing from the base and positioned themselves in ambushes on access roads.
10:30AM: The company commander, encountering ambushes en route, struggled to reach the base. He contacted Unit 669's command room to report casualties, provide coordinates, and request assistance. Sporadic gunfire continued around the perimeter between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m..
12:30PM: An officer-in-training from the IDF Tactical Command College, a former company deputy commander, arrived at the base despite warnings of ambushes. He took command, positioned machine gunners for defense, and organized the operational process for evacuating the wounded.
Around 1:21PM: The officer-in-training established radio contact with a Unit 669 evacuation helicopter preparing to land near the base. At this time, the company commander managed to move his vehicle close to the base with four soldiers and officers, then proceeded on foot through nearby orchards.
Around 1:30PM: A Unit 669 medical team entered the base and began evacuating the wounded.
Around 1:51PM: Four urgent casualties were evacuated on stretchers. The officer-in-training and the Unit 669 medical team moved south towards the evacuation helicopter outside the base. En route, they came under fire from two locations, resulting in two soldiers being wounded. They returned fire and reported the engagement. Combat helicopters were readied to provide support.
Around 2:03PM: The company commander, hearing the gunfire, ordered the officer-in-training to return fire to draw attention, then retreat to allow the company commander's force to flank and attack the terrorists from behind, to prevent friendly fire. The company commander's force identified and killed three terrorists from 50-70 meters. Simultaneously, troops near the armored vehicle parking lot returned machine-gun fire, killing four more terrorists.
2:15PM: IDF helicopter crews ceased aerial strikes after confirming friendly forces' locations, allowing the ground commander to re-enter and stabilize the base. The company commander entered the base, organized all forces for defense, assigned sectors, and defined tasks for cover and casualty preparation. He then ordered the armored vehicles prepared for combat.
3:40PM: An evacuation helicopter landed in the center of the base and evacuated 5 wounded soldiers to the hospital.
5:00PM: The company commander discussed the situation with the Golani Brigade commander, arranging for Golani reconnaissance teams to reinforce the sector and defend settlements.
Around 7:00PM: Another helicopter landed at the base and evacuated the remaining casualties.
Around 9:00PM: Teams led by a Golani reconnaissance company commander arrived to bolster the base's defense, allowing the company to reorganize for continued fighting.
Late Evening: The southern shelter, whose locking mechanism was damaged, was finally accessed and opened using a special breaching kit.
ECONOMY
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.3% in June 2025, according to a report by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). This is higher than the forecasted 0.1%. Annual inflation reached 3.3%, compared to 3.1% in May. An examination of housing data shows that apartment prices fell by 0.3% when comparing transactions from April–May of this year to those from March–April. However, compared to April–May of last year, prices rose by 3.9%. New apartment prices increased by 5.3% over the past year.
In its initial announcement, the CBS noted that the sharpest price increases were recorded in the categories of culture and entertainment (1.1%), food and fresh vegetables (0.7%), housing (0.5%), and transportation and communication (0.4%). On the other hand, significant price drops were recorded in clothing and footwear (4.5%) and fresh fruit (2.5%), likely due to seasonal factors. It should be noted that housing cost is based on rental prices, something that went up dramatically due to the need for housing caused by those who lost their homes during the Iran War.
ISRAELTECH
As part of our partnership with IsraelTech, here’s this week’s featured interview:
“Tomorrow’s Tech? Already Funding It!” featuring, Yuval Illuz, OurCrowd.
What happens when you combine a CISO’s vigilance with a VC’s capital? Meet OurCrowd. Yuval Illuz climb the ranks of the typical VC network. He built his career defending critical infrastructure, leading global cyber teams, and mastering AI long before it was trending. Today, he’s channeling that experience into backing startups that shape the future and win wars—both economically and literally.
OurCrowd is:
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If you’re still raising money like it’s 2010… you’re already behind.
Watch the preview below, or view the full interview here.
BUSINESS
Heka
Raises $14M Series-A to tackle AI-fueled fraud epidemic
As consumer losses soar, the web intelligence startup expands in the US and Europe. Heka, an Israeli startup leveraging web intelligence to combat the escalating digital fraud crisis, has secured $14 million in Series-A funding to expand its US operations and strengthen its foothold across the UK and Europe.
The funding round was led by Windare Ventures, with participation from Barclays, Cornèr Banca, and other institutional investors. This capital injection comes as consumer fraud losses reached $12.5 billion last year—a staggering 38% year-over-year increase—driven by disposable burner accounts, fake digital profiles, and increasingly sophisticated AI-generated content that renders traditional fraud prevention tools obsolete.
Founded in 2021 by Rafael Berber (former Global Head of Equity Trading at Merrill Lynch), Ishay Horowitz (a senior Israeli intelligence officer), and Idan Bar-Dov (a fintech and high-tech lawyer), Heka applies intelligence tradecraft to deliver "always-on, explainable" web intelligence through its proprietary AI engine. Unlike legacy systems that rely on static blacklists and outdated credit files, Heka's analyst-grade AI agent operates in real-time, analyzing vast amounts of publicly available online data to build comprehensive digital profiles that surface alias use, reputation risks, and behavioral anomalies.
The technology has already proven its effectiveness—in a recent deployment with a global payment processor, Heka detected 65% of account takeover losses without disrupting legitimate customer activity, a crucial balance for financial institutions. The company reports generating millions in revenue through partnerships with banks, payment processors, and pension funds who rely on Heka's intelligence for fraud detection, account management, and recovery operations where traditional data sources fall short.
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TRAVEL ACROSS ISRAEL
Sde Boker
Today, we’re heading north from Mitzpeh Ramon to discover one of Israel's most understated places—Sde Boker!
Picture this … you’re driving through the Negev desert, this massive, sun-baked landscape that makes up most of Israel. It's wild and beautiful in a biblical way, with ancient rock formations and endless horizons. Right in the middle of all this wilderness sits something unexpected and striking—Kibbutz Sde Boker.
Sde Boker is no ordinary kibbutz. It is the site where David Ben-Gurion—Israel’s first Prime Minister and a central figure in the nation’s founding—chose to spend his final years. His decision to settle in a modest wooden hut in the heart of the Negev, rather than remain in the comfort of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, carries a powerful message.
Ben-Gurion often declared that “the future of Israel lies in the Negev.” He believed deeply that the resilience and vision of the Israeli people would be tested—and ultimately proven—in the desert. His move to Sde Boker was more than symbolic; it was a living expression of his ideals and a personal commitment to the development of Israel’s southern frontier.
How It All Started: Cowboys in the Desert
In 1952, just four years after the founding of the State of Israel, a group of former soldiers set out to realize an ambitious—and unlikely—vision. Veterans of an intelligence unit from the 1948 War of Independence, they dreamed of building a working ranch in the middle of the Negev, complete with cattle, sheep, and horses.
Their inspiration came, in part, from an American volunteer named Jesse, who remarked that the stark desert landscape reminded him of Texas. That comparison stuck, and the kibbutz was named “Sde Boker”—Hebrew for “Field of the Cowboy.” (Although some claim the name derives from the nearby Wadi Bakra, the cowboy legend has endured.)
The early years were brutal. The founding members faced unrelenting desert heat, crop failures, and frequent security threats. Some gave up and left. Their hopes of cultivating fruit orchards and raising livestock quickly collided with the region’s unforgiving conditions. Yet a determined core, a scrappy group remained—driven not by success alone, but by a shared belief in the pioneering spirit that defined their generation.
When the Prime Minister Came to Visit
The story takes a remarkable turn in 1952 or 1953, when Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion was touring the Negev and happened to notice a cluster of tents and simple structures in the middle of the desert. Intrigued, he asked his driver to stop and investigate.
What he discovered was a small group of young families attempting to carve out a life under the harshest of conditions. Deeply moved by their determination, Ben-Gurion later wrote to them, confessing that he had never envied anyone—until he saw what they were building at Sde Boker.
Then came an extraordinary request: Ben-Gurion asked if he could join them. Can you imagine? The idea of Israel’s founding Prime Minister moving into their modest outpost sparked intense debate among the kibbutz members. On one hand, his presence would bring prestige and political attention—not to mention access to resources. On the other, Ben-Gurion was already aging, and the community was struggling to sustain itself; every member needed to contribute physically.
In the end, the kibbutz held a vote. The decision to accept Ben-Gurion reportedly passed—by a single vote.
In late 1953, David Ben-Gurion stepped down as Prime Minister and moved with his wife, Paula, into a modest wooden hut at Sde Boker. It was not a retreat from public life, but a deliberate and symbolic act. By settling in the Negev himself, he sought to demonstrate his deep conviction that the future of Israel depended on developing the country’s arid south.
Ben-Gurion's presence transformed the kibbutz almost overnight. Sde Boker was soon connected to the national water system—a vital lifeline in the desert. Volunteers began to arrive, drawn by the vision and symbolism of Ben-Gurion’s move. Resources followed, as the former Prime Minister used his influence to ensure the struggling outpost would not only survive, but flourish.
From Farms to Factories: A Modern Success Story
By 1982, Sde Boker entered a new phase. The kibbutz made the strategic decision to venture into manufacturing, founding what would become Davik Industries. It was an ambitious move—one that reflected the same pioneering spirit that had brought them to the Negev decades earlier. The goal was clear: to demonstrate that industry, too, could take root and succeed in Israel’s arid south.
Davik quickly grew into a remarkable success story. Specializing in pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, the company established itself as an industry innovator. In 1999, it became one of the first in the world to produce the now-familiar handle tapes used on multi-packs of bottled water.
Today, Davik stands as a key economic pillar of the kibbutz, exporting advanced adhesive solutions to markets around the globe. The factory itself reflects the community’s forward-thinking values—with solar panels now lining its rooftop, a symbol of sustainability and resilience in the heart of the desert.
Another chapter in Sde Boker’s evolution began in 1999, with the founding of its boutique winery. Zvi Remak, a kibbutz member who had studied agriculture in California, traveled to Napa Valley to study the art of winemaking. He returned inspired and determined to cultivate quality wines in the Negev. Today, the winery produces acclaimed red varietals—including Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon—using grapes grown on-site and nourished by advanced drip irrigation systems tailored to the desert climate.
Sde Boker is now home to roughly 470 residents and boasts a remarkably diverse economy. Its success spans multiple sectors: high-tech manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, solar energy, and a variety of small enterprises. Yet what truly sets the kibbutz apart is its decision to remain communal. While many kibbutzim across Israel have undergone privatization, Sde Boker continues to embrace its collectivist roots, experimenting with how to integrate socialist ideals into a modern, market-driven reality.
Our Visit: What We're Going to See and Do
During our visit, we’ll explore the key sites and experiences that make Sde Boker unique—from its historical landmarks and desert agriculture to its innovative industries and communal way of life.
Ben-Gurion's Hut: Stepping Back in Time
We’ll begin our visit at the very heart of Sde Boker—David Ben-Gurion’s original hut. Preserved exactly as he left it, the modest home offers a striking window into his later years. Stepping inside is like entering a time capsule from the 1960s and ’70s. We’ll walk through the simple rooms, complete with original furnishings, a compact kitchen, and the separate bedrooms where David and Paula lived.
The highlight is his study, which houses a personal library of more than 5,000 books in nine languages—covering philosophy, history, geography, security, and more. This was just a portion of his larger 22,000-volume collection in Tel Aviv, and it speaks volumes about his intellectual depth and insatiable curiosity.
We'll also visit the adjacent museum, housed in what was once the bodyguards’ barracks. The museum features multimedia exhibits, video screenings, and interactive displays that bring Ben-Gurion’s life and legacy vividly to life. It offers valuable insight into his pivotal decisions—and his enduring vision for the Negev.
The Memorial: A Quiet, Powerful Legacy
Our next stop takes us a few miles south to the Ben-Gurion Tomb National Park at Midreshet Ben-Gurion. Here, set within a serene desert landscape, lie the simple graves of David and Paula Ben-Gurion—marked by two modest, flat stone slabs. There is no grandeur, no monument—just quiet dignity.
What makes the site extraordinary is its setting. The graves are positioned at the edge of a dramatic cliff, overlooking the vast expanse of the Zin Valley. The view is breathtaking—raw, unspoiled desert stretching endlessly to the horizon.
Ben-Gurion personally selected this spot after Paula’s passing in 1968, asking to be laid to rest beside her in the wilderness they had embraced. Standing there, surrounded by silence and sky, it becomes clear why he placed such faith in the Negev. It is a final, powerful testament to his enduring vision for Israel’s future.
Exploring Modern Sde Boker
Our visit will also offer a glimpse into what Sde Boker has become today—a vibrant and evolving community that continues to innovate. We’ll stop at the Sde Boker Winery for a guided tasting, where we’ll sample wines made from grapes grown right here in the desert. It’s a unique experience—sipping locally produced wine while learning how agriculture has not only survived but thrived in one of Israel’s most challenging environments.
The winery also features a welcoming café and shop, where we can enjoy a break and explore locally made products such as olive oil, artwork, and other regional specialties. We arranged our tour in advance to ensure a full and informative experience. It’s a rare opportunity to appreciate the fruits of modern agricultural ingenuity—set against the very same landscape that once tested the resolve of Sde Boker’s earliest pioneers.
A Living Legacy
What makes Sde Boker truly remarkable is not only its rich history, but its continued evolution. This small kibbutz stands as a testament to what vision, resilience, and adaptability can achieve—even in the most unforgiving conditions. Ben-Gurion’s dream of settling the Negev is not a relic of the past; it remains a vibrant, ongoing reality—one that continues to inspire innovation and perseverance.
As we explore this extraordinary place, we’ll bear witness to how a group of idealistic young soldiers, guided by a visionary leader, laid the foundations for a thriving community. Through decades of dedication, they transformed a remote corner of the desert into a symbol of the Israeli spirit: bold, determined, and committed to turning the improbable into the possible.