Israel’s “teddy bear” bulldozer clears the way for soldiers

A heavy specialized excavator will help the Israeli ground forces occupy the Gaza Strip. He doesn’t even mind bazooka attacks.

When Israel launches a ground attack, the soldiers will often be supported by a special vehicle. Because there are obstacles as the troops move through the narrow streets, the Israeli monster bulldozer clears the way for them.

It is a version of Caterpillar’s commercial excavator that has been modified for the Israeli army and is said to weigh 62 tonnes. Setting up the vehicle – also known as the “teddy bear” by the military – weighs 15 tons with its thick armor alone. The driver’s compartment is bulletproof and machine gun-resistant, and additional slatted armor around the vehicle is designed to withstand even attack from rocket-propelled grenades and small rockets, according to Army Technology, a military specialist base. With a length of eight meters and a width of four meters, the monster excavator can also navigate narrow streets.

To clear obstacles, the D9R has a specially reinforced shovel moved by four hydraulic arms. Not only does it lift cars into the air, but it also protects the vehicle from explosions known as IED bombs and landmines. Another tool can be attached to the back to break up large rocks and concrete barriers, the website says.

So the bulldozer is well suited for clearing the path for the troops. The Israeli army has been using it since 1950, and since then it has been repeatedly modified and improved. The latest version is powered by 405 hp and drive. There’s also room for another person who can operate a roof-mounted machine gun or rocket launcher, for example.

In ground attack, the D9R can be used primarily to clear mines and clear obstacles such as roadblocks. Small houses can also be demolished.

On October 7, after Hamas fired rockets at Israel and launched attacks on soldiers and civilians, Israel announced that it was already firing on targets in the Gaza Strip and sending in ground troops. The country currently has around 530,000 soldiers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday swore troops into the “next phase” of the war against Hamas as troops arrived. According to media reports, Hamas terrorists will be attacked on three fronts: air, water and land.

According to the military, more than 1,300 people have been killed in Israel as a result of major attacks by Hamas. A further 3,621 people have been injured, the health ministry said. Israeli security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi estimated between 150 and 200 people were abducted into the Gaza Strip on Saturday. The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip has risen to 2,228. At least 8,744 people have been injured, the health ministry said in Gaza on Saturday evening.