Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Exposes Iranian Role in Training Hamas for Precision Weapons
On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) revealed compelling evidence indicating Iranian involvement in training Hamas to manufacture and deploy precision rockets and strategic weapons. This disclosure coincided with the IDF’s recent capture of a key strategic tunnel in northern Gaza, underscoring a direct connection between the timing of the announcement and the significant operation.
According to the IDF’s intelligence apparatus, there is concrete evidence suggesting that Iran provided assistance to Hamas in the production and firing of precision rockets. A thorough analysis of long-range weaponry and other items discovered in the seized tunnel supported these findings. While the IDF did not specify explicit signs of Iranian training, past instances have seen weapons marked with Iranian symbols or Persian inscriptions, as well as recovered guidebooks or messages linked to the Islamic Republic.
Israeli intelligence asserts that Hamas could not have executed the surprise attack on October 7 independently and has received general funding, logistics support, and training from Tehran over the years. These recent findings provide more direct evidence of Iranian involvement than previous statements.
The weapons systems were uncovered after navigating 100 meters of tunnel space, an area flagged by Israeli intelligence for closer examination. Notably, Hamas forces in this vicinity demonstrated stronger resistance compared to their typical hit-and-run tactics, resulting in face-to-face clashes.
Drones and helicopters played a crucial role in supporting the IDF Nahal land forces during the intense battle. The operation in Daraj Tuffah, identified as the last Hamas stronghold in northern Gaza, encountered robust opposition from the terrorist group.
Colonel Yair Zuckerman, Nahal Commander, confirmed encountering enemy cells, terror infrastructure, and defensive measures in Daraj Tuffah. The area, characterized by defensive tunnels and rocket platforms, posed significant challenges during the operation.
Daraj Tuffah was designated as the final Hamas stronghold in northern Gaza following the fall of Jablia on December 19 and most of Gaza City in mid-November. Led by Colonel Yair Zuckerman since October 7, Nahal forces faced substantial resistance.
The invasion of Daraj Tuffah unfolded in two stages over approximately two weeks. The initial phase involved heavy, organized attacks by Hamas forces, while the latter phase witnessed increased use of hit-and-run tactics from underground locations.
Over the course of Friday and Saturday, the IDF targeted an area where Hamas had established 30 platforms for firing rockets. The strikes aimed at locations from which rockets had been launched on Ashkelon and Ashdod. Palestinian media reported casualties, including the son of the head of Al Jazeera in Gaza.
Hamas-affiliated Gaza reports claimed that the IDF’s actions resulted in a death toll of nearly 23,000 Palestinians. However, these figures do not distinguish between civilians and fighters.
Despite reduced quantities, rockets from Hamas in Gaza continued to target Israel’s southern areas on Sunday. Simultaneously, Hezbollah fired around 15 rockets from Lebanon into Israel, resulting in hits near Mount Hermon and Metulla.
Hezbollah escalated its attacks on sensitive installations near Mount Hermon on Saturday, in response to a month of IDF escalatory actions. Tensions between the two parties were further fueled by alleged Israeli involvement in the killing of Hamas Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri.
In response to Hezbollah’s rocket attacks, the IDF refrained from engaging air defenses as no civilians were in the vicinity. Instead, the IDF retaliated by targeting the sources of the rockets in Lebanon, indicating a continuation of heightened tensions in the region.
