|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://jcpa.org/article/hamas-advanced-weaponry-rockets-artillery-drones-cyber/
Hamas' Advanced Weaponry: Rockets, Artillery, Drones, Cyber
(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Lenny Ben-David - During the May 2021 Gaza War, the IDF identified a Hamas naval commando base with a tunnel extending dozens of meters into the sea. An investigation showed that the tunnel was financed with funds siphoned from the UN Development Agency. For many years, weapons for Hamas have been dropped into the sea in sealed capsules miles off the coast of Gaza. In the 11 days of the 2021 war, Hamas launched 400 rockets a day, nearly four times the daily average number of launches in 2014. Hamas also launched six suicide drones. All were intercepted by Israel, some by classified means. Hamas established electronic warfare units that sought to neutralize Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system and disrupt IDF communications. One of these units was based in the Jalaa building in Gaza City, which also housed the Associated Press and Al Jazeera. Israel struck at least 10 Hamas cyber and electronic warfare targets during the war. The writer served 25 years in senior posts in AIPAC in Washington and Jerusalem, and as Israel's Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington. This study is part of the Jerusalem Center research report: The Gaza War 2021: Hamas and Iran Attack Israel.