Hamas seizes numerous Israeli armored vehicles in surprise attack.

In an unexpected offensive carried out on October 7, 2023, the Palestinian militant organization Hamas took control of a significant number of Israeli military assets, including Merkava main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers. Several images confirming these captures were disseminated on social media directly by Hamas.
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In the order, Jeep, Merkava Mk4 Main Battle Tank, Nakpadon Armored Personnel Carrier, and M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (Picture source: Hamas Social Media )

The operation led to the capture of at least five Merkava main battle tanks and 15 other tracked armored vehicles from Israeli military installations and checkpoints. The seized vehicles were primarily M113-series armored personnel carriers, as well as a Nakpadon, a heavily armored vehicle built on a Centurion tank chassis. However, it should be noted that most of these vehicles were either damaged or abandoned by Israeli forces. Moreover, Hamas forces lack the technical training required to fully utilize the capabilities of these vehicles.

The Nakpadon is an armored personnel carrier that was commissioned by the Israeli army in 1996. Designed between 1993 and 1996 by the manufacturer IMI, this vehicle has been produced in 400 units, thereby establishing its presence within the Israeli armed forces.

Measuring 7.5 meters in length, 3.38 meters in width, and 2.65 meters in height, the Nakpadon weighs 55 tons in combat conditions. It is designed to accommodate a crew of two, in addition to six infantrymen. Its considerable mass is justified by its robust armor, which consists of a mix of composite and reactive explosive armor.

In terms of armament, the Nakpadon is equipped with a 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher as its primary weapon. It also has four 7.62mm MAG machine guns as secondary armaments. This combination of weapons provides the vehicle with versatile firepower.

The Nakpadon's mobility is powered by an air-cooled V12 diesel AVDS 1790-6A engine, delivering 908 horsepower at 2,400 rpm. The vehicle uses an Allison CD-850-6BX automatic transmission, with two forward speeds and one reverse. Its suspension is provided by Horstmann-type horizontal spring bogies, contributing to its maneuverability on various types of terrain. Despite its size and weight, the Nakpadon can reach a maximum speed of 45 km/h on the road, with a power-to-weight ratio of 16.3 hp/ton.

Images shared by Hamas on social media claim to show about 10 of the captured armed vehicles, taken during the raid on a border facility near the town of Rafah. Additionally, a substantial number of armored units previously used by Israeli forces for border patrolling also ended up in the possession of Palestinian militants.

Many of the captured vehicles are considered to be in less-than-optimal condition, having been left behind by the Israeli military. Hamas appears to be particularly interested in acquiring light armored vehicles that can be easily operated and swiftly transported to their controlled areas.

Israel has declared a "special security status" within a 50-mile perimeter around Gaza, authorizing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to issue safety directives to civilians and to shut down key locations.