Only the IDF: Soldiers in Lebanon to Watch World Cup on Z-TUBE

IDF soldiers in Lebanon will reportedly be able to watch the World Cup through the closed and encrypted Z-TUBE network, according to journalist Yinon Shalom Yitach.

The system normally serves a very different purpose. Forces use it to transmit footage of strikes from Iran and to support troops operating deep inside Lebanon. Now, according to the report, the same secure military network will also allow soldiers in the field to follow the tournament.

Only the IDF

The report captures a uniquely Israeli moment: soldiers operating in one of the most dangerous arenas in the region, while the army still finds a way to preserve morale and a sense of normal life.

For troops stationed in Lebanon, access to the World Cup is not just entertainment. It is a brief human pause inside a difficult operational reality. It is also a reminder that Israeli soldiers are not anonymous fighters on a map. They are sons, brothers, fathers, and friends serving far from home.

How Z-TUBE Works

According to the report, Z-TUBE delivers footage with extremely low delay. From the moment footage is captured to the moment it appears on screen, no matter where the viewer is located, the image arrives within 300 milliseconds to half a second.

That speed is central to the system’s military use. It allows forces to view operational footage almost instantly, including footage from strikes and activity in deep combat zones.

A Secure Military Network

The system also has the ability to save content and rewind. However, it is not currently clear whether that function will also be enabled for World Cup matches during the tournament.

The report highlights how Israel’s military technology supports both battlefield operations and the soldiers carrying them out. Even in Lebanon, under pressure and far from home, the IDF is finding ways to keep its soldiers connected, informed, and grounded.