During the recent conflict in Gaza, the former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. highlighted the challenges faced by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in combating Hamas militants. The ambassador pointed out that Hamas has strategically placed artillery and rockets in sensitive locations such as mosques, residential neighborhoods, schools, and even United Nations facilities. Additionally, Hamas has constructed an extensive network of tunnels, totaling approximately 450 miles, underneath hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods.
This tactic of using civilian infrastructure as shields has posed a unique threat to the IDF, unlike any faced by other military forces in history. The ambassador emphasized that the IDF has had to navigate a complex battlefield where the enemy, consisting of around 30,000 fighters, is deeply entrenched within civilian areas. This situation has limited the IDF's ability to engage without risking civilian casualties.
Despite the challenges, the ambassador defended the IDF's performance in the conflict, dismissing claims of underperformance. He suggested that the IDF's achievements in this war would be studied in military academies worldwide for their strategic and operational successes.
The conflict in Gaza has underscored the complexities of modern warfare, where traditional rules of engagement are tested by adversaries who exploit civilian populations and infrastructure for their military objectives. The situation in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of conflicts and the need for innovative approaches to address such challenges.
