The IDF's Oketz canine unit has played a critical role in the ongoing Gaza conflict, with its use of military dogs providing key lessons for militaries worldwide. Urban warfare expert John Spencer outlined how Oketz's strategies, particularly in handling urban and subterranean operations, could inform US military preparations for future conflicts in dense urban environments. Spencer noted that this specialized training, along with the strong bonds formed between dogs and handlers, has been crucial to the unit's operational effectiveness in high-pressure urban settings. The Oketz unit operates in small teams, each consisting of a commander, deputy, and two handler-dog pairs, which supports the psychological resilience of both soldiers and dogs in combat zones. The IDF's adjustments for combat in urban environments include providing protective booties for dogs to prevent injuries from sharp debris and rubble.