“The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” star Swell Ariel Or has been cast as the lead in a new film portraying the captain of Israel’s first all-female tank unit that engaged Hamas terrorists during their October 7 assault against Israel in 2023.

“Tankistas, produced by Bleiberg Entertainment, depicts the remarkable true story of female soldiers who, without central command, maneuvered three armored vehicles against hundreds of Hamas terrorists in a battle lasting over 17 hours. Yarden Toussia-Cohen, known for “The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” and Apple’s “Tehran,” will co-star as the battalion’s commander.

Beyond the battle itself, the film will explore the formation of the unit and the challenges female IDF combatants faced while proving themselves in a traditionally male-dominated military environment where their capabilities are often questioned.

Award-winning director Ayelet Menahemi, whose feature “Seven Blessings” became Israel’s 2023 Oscar entry after winning the prestigious Ophir Prize, will helm the project.

“Amidst the inconceivable stories of bravery since October 7, this is one of the exceptional and heroic ones. It shows what happens when women take matters into their own hands after men cast doubt on their right and ability to fight. These young women made history, twice,” Menahemi tells Deadline.

Los Angeles-based Bleiberg Entertainment will produce the film based on the screenplay written by actress Eleanor Sela, who previously collaborated with Menahemi on “Seven Blessings.” Bleiberg’s impressive production portfolio includes international hits such as “In the Land of Saints and Sinners,” “The Iceman,” and the critically acclaimed “The Band’s Visit.”