What’s happening:
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Nahal Brigade has recently carried out a successful operation, targeting a concealed underground rocket factory in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City which was suspected of converting standard projectiles into precision-guided missiles.
Why it matters:
This factory, backed by Iranian expertise and materials, could have significantly increased the threat Hamas poses to Israeli security by providing the terrorist group with precision strike capabilities.
By the numbers:
During the raid, IDF soldiers found evidence that the factory was being used to manufacture precise missiles with guidance systems, an advanced capability that has the potential to challenge Israel’s defensive measures. Instruction manuals from Iran were also discovered, indicating a clear connection between Iran and the missile enhancement efforts within Gaza.
The bigger picture:
Two years prior to the discovery, concerns were already voiced regarding Hamas possibly acquiring precision-guided missile technology, which could serve as a game-changer in conflicts with Israel. The IDF has been vigilant in its efforts to uncover and neutralize such threats. The Iranian manuals found echo similar ones seized from shipments intended for Hezbollah.
Context:
Previous operations, including “Guardian of the Walls,” have focused on dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities. This recent operation emphasizes IDF’s persistent efforts to counteract the efforts of Iran and local terrorist organizations in enhancing their offensive capabilities against Israel.
What’s next:
While the full extent of this precision missile project remains unknown, the IDF is continuing to monitor the situation closely. Whether there are additional R&D or production sites in Gaza like the one uncovered is still unclear, but IDF’s proactive strategies suggest a continued crackdown on terrorist operations and their state backers.
The aftermath:
The operation culminated in the destruction of the tunnel and the underground factory, with the IDF removing a significant threat. Despite this success, the continuous fight against the enhancement of enemy weaponry remains an ongoing challenge for Israeli defense forces.
The remembrance:
The IDF honors the memory of the late Lt. Col. Roi Mordechai, who tragically lost his life due to sniper fire while operating against Hamas threats in the northern Gaza region.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.