Israeli military officials on Wednesday unveiled a new combat unit designed to counter terror attacks originating from the Gaza Strip and to secure communities in the vicinity of the Palestinian enclave.

The unit, Lotar Otef, was created in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas raid from Gaza into Israel that slaughtered more than 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and resulted in hundreds taken hostage.

“As part of the lessons learned from the initial investigations on the ground from the events of the 7th of October, it was decided to establish the unit whose purpose is to provide a quick and available response to terrorist incidents,” Israel Defense Forces officials said on the Telegram social messaging site.

The force will consist of reserve soldiers, including some veterans of elite IDF units, who live near the Gaza Strip or its surroundings. They will be on standby for activation in the area, officials said.

“The soldiers of the unit will undergo dedicated training and will eventually be trained as skilled soldiers for the area’s challenges,” IDF officials said on Telegram.

Hundreds of applicants are going through the selection process. The first training session for Lotar Otef members will be held in the coming weeks, officials said.

The commander of the unit, identified only as Lt. Col. A, said Lotar Otef will help create a safer environment for Israelis living near Gaza.

“For this reason, we have gathered here, the heart of an area that has been damaged and suffered so much,” Lt. Col. A said at the official opening ceremony. “We are bringing about the construction of a unit that will serve as a sectoral anchor and a magnet for all those who have the defense of the homeland and the desire to continue contributing to the country in front of their eyes.”

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.