Gradually, more and more details are being revealed about Hamas’ horrific attack, and their military capabilities, which were achieved by this terrorist monster, who took advantage of the concept that has prevailed for decades among the IDF’s top military commanders that “if they are quiet, we don’t touch them”.
Hamas has used this our “we don’t touch them” for a horrendous military reinforcement.
Hamas used the 2005 “Disengagement” — the expulsion of Jewish residents from the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of our army — to take full control of the Strip and create an enormous military machine inside.
The following are some of the facts that have now come to light:
1. Hamas used for the first time in its offensive the attack drones it developed on its own based on the Zawari model (Muhammad al-Zawari — a Tunisian aerospace engineer who worked for the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, and who was liquidated, probably by MOSSAD, in 2016), which it used to strike the camera system, which were the “eyes” of the Israeli defense system.
2. At least 1,000 well-trained terrorists from the high-end Nukhba unit participated in the bloodiest terrorist attack Israel has ever suffered. A lot of resources were invested in training these terrorists, and they went into the attack equipped from head to toe with quality and advanced weapons, having previously been trained by Iranian instructors in commando combat, sniper shooting, use of anti-tank weapons, etc.
3. Today it was revealed — although, so far, without much detail — that Hamas was also planning to seize the Hatzerim airbase near Be’er Sheva. This is hard to believe, but considering how unprepared the IDF was on Saturday, G-d forbid they could actually get to it. It’s scary to even think about what would have happened then.
4. To destroy surveillance cameras, Hamas used both experienced snipers ( who were trained by the Iranians, or by Hizbullah instructors in Iran, etc.) as well as attack drones dropping bombs on cameras, tanks, and see-and-shoot systems.
5. On Monday, Hamas for the first time reported that it had launched an anti-aircraft surface-to-air missile with a range of 35 kilometers. According to Hamas claims, this missile, called Matwar 3, was launched at F-16 aircraft. This is the first time we have heard of an anti-aircraft missile being launched at such a long range!
And this teaches us once again what has been happening all these years since the shameful " Disengagement" when, choosing between disgrace and war, we chose disgrace and now we got war!
Hamas has grown stronger and today it already has air defenses with a range of tens of kilometers!
6. The large-scale use of paragliders, motorized hang gliders, and other similar aircraft by Hamas, both in attacking the Re’im Youth Festival and during attacks on settlements — was a complete surprise to the IDF. This threatening potential was also created right in front of our intelligence, which didn’t notice a thing. It was most likely also the result of Iranian assistance, and it proved itself disastrously in Saturday’s attacks. Moreover, there were a few more air infiltration attempts in the next few days.
7. The attacks of Hamas from the sea — boats, use of underwater equipment, professional divers — a colossal threat that our Navy had now to deal with.
8. In recent years, Hamas has also developed and established the production of anti-tank missiles and mortars of various types.
9. Hamas has developed rockets with ranges far beyond 100 kilometers and has accumulated an arsenal of tens of thousands of rockets. So far, more than 5,000 rockets have been launched. Its missile infrastructure is located deep underground, well camouflaged and ready for attack and prolonged combat.
10. Hamas’s military power has grown considerably. It currently has at least 30,000 terrorists, just a little less than Hizbullah. In order to finance its continuous warfare intensification, Hamas uses the economic empire it has built through absolute control of the Gaza Strip and enormous infusions from Iran, as well as funds from the UN, Europe, and the United States “to help the people.” The Hamas army is divided into brigades and battalions, regularly trained and well-equipped.
11. On the ships captured by our army, which were carrying various types of weapons to Hamas, surface-to-sea missiles with a range of tens of kilometers were found.
12. Hamas itself produces many types of explosive charges, mines and rocket explosives.
In short: The Oslo Accords, followed by the Disengagement, allowed the enemies who want to wipe our country off the map to create a real army with air, sea and land capabilities, right in our underbelly, using all the economic resources of the Gaza Strip for that purpose.
The time has come to dismantle this evil organization that brutally tortured more than 1,000 of our women, children, elderly and young people and captured many more in one terrible day alone.