Early Saturday morning, Hamas launched a massive surprise attack on Israel, reigniting tensions in the region. The attack, which began shortly after 6 a.m., consisted of a combination of rocket fire and armed infiltrators from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory.
This is the most extensive attack by Hamas since the Islamic organization gained exclusive power in the Strip in 2007. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has stated that civilians in southern and central Israel are required to remain close to shelters, and those in the area surrounding Gaza must seek safety inside shelters immediately.
In a situational assessment, Chief of the General staff Lt.-Gen. Herzl Halevi has declared a state of war in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called a meeting of his security cabinet to discuss further actions.
The attack is a direct response to alleged violations by Israeli forces of the sanctity of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount or Haram al-Sharif. Tensions in the area have been high for weeks, with Hamas instigating riots in the past month. However, this is the first time in years that the terrorist group has launched such an extensive attack.
It is believed that the goal of this attack is for Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza to dictate the pace of the conflict and wrest control from Israel. This is reminiscent of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel on a Sabbath day and religious holiday.
However, unlike the 1973 attack, the terrorist groups in Gaza do not have access to warplanes or a conventional force. Despite this, it is a concerning development as Iran, a backer of the terror groups, may use this as a curtain-raiser for other moves in the region.
The attack on Israel also took a new turn as the terrorists targeted Jerusalem with rockets, which is not a common tactic. In past conflicts, the terrorists would usually target Tel Aviv or areas south of the city, such as Rishon Lezion and Ashkelon. This shift towards targeting Jerusalem clearly demonstrates a decision by terrorist leaders, backed by Iran, to escalate the conflict.
This attack also shows that Hamas has adopted tactics used by the terrorist group during the 2021 war, such as launching large salvos of rockets in a short period of time. The increased military infrastructure in Gaza has allowed the group to carry out this type of attack effectively.
This attack calls to mind previous infiltration attempts, such as the 2014 abduction of Gilad Shalit and an attempted seaborne commando raid in 2014. However, the attack on Saturday is far more significant and has caught Israel off guard despite its increased investment in security on the border using new technology.
The situation remains tense, and the IDF has called up reserve soldiers to prepare for any further escalation. The attack has once again highlighted the complex dynamics in the region and the ongoing struggle between Israel and its enemies.
