From Chaos to Data: How the 'Agamim' Unit Saves Lives on the Home Front

When a residential building takes a direct hit from a missile, total chaos, crushed concrete, and great trauma are created—but for the analysts of the Agamim branch (data collection and extraction) in the Home Front Command, this chaos is a laboratory of operational data. Now, as Israel faces tense days and prepares for a potential campaign against Iran, all eyes are on the readiness of the home front.

The next campaign is expected to challenge national resilience as the Home Front Command prepares for large-scale missile barrages and advanced threats requiring real-time technological responses. While search and rescue teams head to the scene, Agamim soldiers are already weaving a tight data network to build a life-saving "target file." For every event, a detailed file is produced containing current data: the extent of damage, resident information, and potential risks, ensuring rescue forces arrive with accurate intelligence.

In a rare interview, Lieutenant Colonel N., commander of the Agamim branch, explains: "The branch is composed of a core of about 30 young soldiers from the worlds of programming and data, expanding to about 50 reservists in emergencies." The work is divided into four pillars:

1. "Target file"—continuous updates on damaged structures.

2. "War room operations"—liaising with police and emergency services, and creating 3D models of destruction sites.

3. "Products"—creating operational aids, such as maps showing the dispersion of cluster munitions.

4. "Infrastructure"—managing cloud infrastructure, memory expansion, and data protection.

Lieutenant Colonel N., a software engineer who took command in October 2025, notes: "In one case I cannot elaborate on, forces accurately found a family at a destruction scene by following our instructions. We directed them exactly to where they were. Thanks to our information, forces can search efficiently with minimal risk to the trapped person."

However, the AI revolution and social media pose challenges. "Fake videos circulating online make our work difficult. We conduct a 'filtering' process to distill the facts," says N. She recalls the "Lion's Roar" operation, where the unit directed forces to locate unexploded ordnance, ensuring areas were safe.

Beyond building hits, Agamim provides the political echelon and Home Front Command with situational awareness for critical decisions, such as whether to keep the economy open or allow public gatherings. "The secret to correct data analysis lies in asking the right questions. We analyze various indicators, including traffic movement and supermarket purchase patterns, to assess public anxiety levels and provide recommendations to decision-makers," N. concludes.