Israel’s ‘Teddy Bear’ Armored Bulldozer Proves to be Anything but Soft and Cuddly

Israel’s ‘Teddy Bear’ Armored Bulldozer Proves to be Anything but Soft and Cuddly

The Israeli military is using an armoured bulldozer called the “Teddy Bear” to lead its land invasion of Gaza. Despite its cuddly nickname, the bulldozer is known for being anything but gentle. Weighing 60 tons and measuring 13 feet tall and 15 feet wide, the D9R machine is equipped with armor, a large dozer blade, and a bullet-proof cockpit to protect its two-person crew from sniper fire.

In 2015, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) upgraded the bulldozer with “slat armor” to better protect against rocket-propelled grenades. As Israel begins its ground assault on Gaza, the bulldozers have been seen operating in both the enclave and the West Bank. It is estimated that up to 100 of these machines, which cost up to $1 million each, could be used in the assault.

Hamas’s Al Qassam brigades claimed to have targeted two Israeli tanks and bulldozers in northwest Gaza. These bulldozers will likely be used to protect troops and clear any booby traps set by Hamas.

The bulldozers, produced by Texas-based Caterpillar, have a controversial history. They were used in the 2008-09 Gaza war, known as Operation Cast Lead, which resulted in up to 1,400 deaths. In 2003, an American peace activist named Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by a D9R bulldozer as she tried to protect homes in southern Gaza. The Israeli military claimed it was an accident.

Rachel’s parents, Craig and Cindy Corrie, fought a legal battle and established a foundation in their daughter’s name to raise awareness about the conflict and work for peace. In the aftermath of recent attacks by Hamas, the foundation condemned the atrocities committed by both sides.

Craig Corrie, Rachel’s father, expressed his horror at the destruction caused by Israel’s bombings in Gaza. He referred to the bulldozers as “war machines” capable of crushing people and called for an immediate ceasefire and a long-term solution to the Israel-Palestine dilemma.

Caterpillar, founded in 1925, has a long history of supplying bulldozers for combat purposes. The company did not respond to requests for comment.

In conclusion, the use of these armoured bulldozers in the Israeli military’s land invasion of Gaza has raised concerns due to their destructive power and previous controversies surrounding their use. The ongoing conflict highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire and a comprehensive resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.