What’s happening:

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released new footage showing their canine unit, the Oketz, in action as they uncovered a complex Hamas tunnel network in the southern part of Gaza City.

Why it matters:

The discovery of these tunnels is significant as it hinders the covert operational capabilities of Hamas, which the IDF identifies as a terrorist organization. These underground structures can serve as command centers, storage for arms, and provide cover for militants planning attacks.

The details:

The footage displays the military dogs, equipped with cameras, investigating the underground network that includes command centers, storage areas, and infrastructure for water and electricity. This operation showcases the IDF’s reliance on both high-tech solutions, like artificial intelligence, as well as traditional methods such as the use of canine units in their military strategy.

The implications:

The IDF’s ongoing battle against Hamas’ underground operations places the spotlight on the region’s instability and underscores the challenges of maintaining security while seeking to minimize civilian casualties during such operations.

Behind the scenes:

An IDF officer, known as Major A, provided insights into the Oketz unit, revealing that a variety of dog breeds, including shepherds, are used for different purposes such as detecting enemies, locating explosives, and search and rescue operations.

The big picture:

This development underlines the multifaceted approach of the IDF in combat scenarios. By integrating cutting-edge technology with the loyalty and skills of man’s best friend, the Israeli military continues to evolve its tactics in response to threats posed by militant groups in the region.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.