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HAMAS - Israel War 2023
 
 
 
 

On April 15, 2024, Israel announced the activation of two additional reserve brigades, involving approximately 20,000 soldiers primarily deployed in Gaza, especially for a planned offensive in the southern city of Rafah. This deployment follows the recent withdrawal of most Israeli ground forces from Gaza, reducing troop levels in the region to their lowest in six months. This move comes in response to various escalations, including an unprecedented overnight air attack by Iran on April 13, following Israel's April 1st destruction of its consulate in Damascus.

In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Lebanese movement Hezbollah launched an attack on an Israeli military base located in the north of the territories occupied by Israel since 1948. The operation was conducted using a short-range ballistic missile, nicknamed Burkan (Volcano), on November 20, 2023, specifically targeting the 91st Division at the Branit barracks.

According to N12 on February 4, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) utilized their new Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) named 'The Lahav' for the first time in an operational capacity. The 'Lahav' multi-caliber launcher, constructed from the PULS platform by Elbit Systems, is mounted on a HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck) 8x8 military vehicle and is capable of launching various types of rockets ranging from 122 to 370 mm in caliber.

On January 26 and 29, 2024, the armed wing of Lebanese Hezbollah released video footage unveiling the use of third-generation Iranian Almas-1 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) against military equipment belonging to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Almas ATGM is equipped with a combined television and thermal imaging guidance system, indicating an advancement in Hezbollah's military capabilities.

The Israeli army has introduced an innovation to its Merkava Mk.3 tanks: an anti-drone cage, likely produced in a factory. This development reminds us of another conflict in which we witnessed the emergence of drones and, consequently, the introduction of anti-drone systems like this type of cage, typically produced in a more "artisanal" manner. Here, it appears to be a machined production, indicating that the Israelis have learned lessons from the war in Ukraine.

On January 15, 2024, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the intense phase of their ground offensive in northern Gaza is nearing its end. Since October 7, 2023, the Gaza conflict has intensified with Hamas attacks on Israel leading to Israeli retaliatory strikes, resulting in over 24,000 Palestinian deaths, significant infrastructural damage in Gaza, and widespread displacement and humanitarian crisis in the region.

As reported by "The Times of Israel" on January 2, 2024, a significant development occurred in the ongoing conflict in the region. For the first time, it has been confirmed that members of Hamas utilized SA-7 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS)  to target an Israeli AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. This incident took place over the Gaza Strip on the morning of December 31, 2023, during an operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

On December 21, 2023, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released a video revealing the internal production of 12.7 mm caliber sniper rifles and their corresponding ammunition. These operations are reportedly conducted in underground facilities in Gaza. The rifles displayed appear to be copies of the Iranian AM-50 Sayyad model, developed from the Austrian Steyr HS.50 rifles acquired by Iran.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) disclosed on December 17, 2023, their discovery of the most extensive attack tunnel built by Hamas, situated in the northern Gaza Strip near the Erez border crossing. This tunnel, part of a larger network, includes command centers, medical facilities, storage areas, and spaces for manufacturing rockets. The revelation highlights the complexity and sophistication of Hamas's tunnel warfare strategy and the IDF's innovative countermeasures.

In a recent escalation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, reported the destruction of over 75 Israeli combat vehicles. These incidents, detailed in a publication dated December 10, 2023, underscore the intensifying clashes between Hamas militants and the Israeli Army. However, the Israeli government has not confirmed the destruction of Merkava tanks since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023.

On December 9, 2023, the US Secretary of State authorized a Foreign Military Sale to Israel, involving a $106.5 million deal for 13,981 units of 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank shells. This followed an earlier request for Congressional approval to sell 45,000 rounds for Israel's Merkava tanks.

On December 4, 2023, the Israeli Ministry of Defense released a comprehensive update on the ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip, detailing the IDF's escalating ground and air campaigns against Hamas and other terrorist factions. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) continues to use the Merkava Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) which is the backbone of the Israeli army.

On November 17, 2023, during a targeted operation in the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) made a significant discovery. In their search for weapons caches, they uncovered Iranian-origin Badr-3 Rocket Launcher System. This discovery highlights a substantial evolution in the ballistic capabilities of the armed groups operating in Gaza.

In a significant development in military technology, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have deployed the latest generation of their Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), the Namer 1500, in combat operations. This deployment, part of the IDF's recent land forces operations in Gaza against Hamas, marks the first combat use of this advanced military vehicle.

As reported by Bloomberg on November 15, 2023, the United States has discreetly increased its military aid to Israel, fulfilling requests that encompass laser-guided missiles, artillery shells, night-vision devices, and bunker-buster munitions. Notably, the aid includes a request for 75 of the US Army and Marine Corps' new Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs).

Merkava Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), integral to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), play a pivotal role in urban warfare scenarios, especially in the context of the current Hamas Gaza War of 2023. Its design and capabilities are particularly suited to the challenges of urban combat, a fact that becomes evident when examining its performance in such environments.

Live Update: Hamas - Israel War November 10th, 2023, Combat Situations Day 35: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue their offensive in the Gaza Strip, making substantial progress amid intense battles with Hamas. Last night, the IDF's Nahal Brigade successfully overtook Hamas ‘Outpost 17’ in Jabalya after a prolonged 10-hour firefight, resulting in the elimination of dozens of Hamas militants and the capture of significant operational materials.

On November 9, 2023, the Israeli Ministry of Defense made a significant announcement regarding its aerial defense systems. For the first time, all layers of the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) air defense systems were operational simultaneously. This includes the Iron Dome, David's Sling, MIM-104 Patriot, and Arrow systems, ensuring comprehensive protection of the Israeli home front.

On November 9, 2023, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the discovery of a key Hamas installation in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, a building situated in the densely populated Shih Radwan neighborhood, which is in close proximity to schools in northern Gaza, was being used by Hamas for the production and storage of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and anti-aircraft missiles.

Alain Servaes, CEO of Army Recognition Group and former NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) in a mechanized infantry battalion, explains the complexity of urban warfare for infantry units and tanks. Conducting military operations in urban environments, such as the Gaza Strip, as part of the army's ground operation, imposes significant operational constraints and exposes infantry units and tanks to a variety of threats that are less prevalent in open warfare.

On November 06, 2023, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released new photographs that showcase the first combat deployment of the Eitan, an advanced eight-wheel-drive armored personnel carrier (APC). These vehicles were observed in action during a ground assault in the Gaza Strip.

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