During the attack on Israel, the radical Palestinian movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad use cheap missiles and simple attack drones that were able to overcome the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system, writes The New York Times (NYT).
The authors wonder how Hamas was able to hide the accumulation of an arsenal that allowed overloading the missile defense system from Israeli intelligence?
Israel has developed an "Iron Dome" specifically to protect against missiles
The first battery of the Iron Dome tactical missile defense system went on combat duty in 2011, and by 2014, nine batteries were on duty in Israel. The Israeli system is designed to combat unguided tactical missiles with a range of 4 to 70 kilometers.
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| Launchers of the Iron Dome system near Tel Aviv. |
| Source: Nir Elias / Reuters |
The battery includes a radar station (radar) EL/ M-2084, which allows you to identify the target and determine the trajectory of its flight. The radar may not issue an intercept command if, according to calculations, the missile falls into an unpopulated area. Also, the Iron Dome battery includes a command center and three launchers for 20 Tamir anti-missiles with a non-contact fuse. In 2012, the cost of launching one missile was estimated at 35-40 thousand dollars, which significantly exceeds the cost of intercepted targets.
It is believed that one battery can protect an area of 150 square kilometers. During the crisis of 2021, Hamas fired more than 4.3 thousand rockets at Israel. Then it was stated that the "Iron Dome" intercepted about 90 percent of the missiles that were sent to populated areas.
Hamas was able to find a vulnerability in the Israeli system
During the current attack, the number of missiles was increased by overloading the missile defense system. The NYT source admitted that Hamas had studied the vulnerabilities of the missile defense system. So, it takes some time to recharge each launcher. During this period, missiles can hit targets without hindrance. Analysts at Janes suggested that Hamas used new Rajum missiles, which are more difficult to intercept, and drones.
The New York Times
In addition, a massive attack can lead to the exhaustion of anti-missile stocks. Sources told the Washington Post that Israel has asked the United States for help in resupplying Iron Dome missiles.
Hamas militants destroy expensive enemy equipment with the simplest grenades
The Israel Defense Forces are armed with Merkava tanks, which were developed specifically for the local theater of operations. These vehicles differ from most modern tanks by the presence of a spring suspension and the location of the engine and transmission compartment in the front.
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| Interception of missiles by the Iron Dome system. |
| Source: Amir Cohen / Reuters |
Mk version. 4, which was adopted in 2004, is distinguished by reinforced armor. In particular, the tank received an enhanced roof reservation. Later there was a version with Mk. 4M with the Trophy active protection complex, which is designed to destroy anti-tank missiles and ammunition of anti-tank grenade launchers attacking the vehicle.
But, despite the high level of security, during the attack, Hamas militants managed to hit Merkava tanks. One of the first hit cars was the Merkava Mk. 4M, which was attacked near the border. It is believed that the car was shot at point-blank range from a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher. Also, one tank was destroyed by dropping ammunition from a quadcopter. The published recording shows the fall of a projectile on the roof of the hull and a fire in the engine and transmission compartment.
Hamas could get weapons thanks to Kiev
A member of the US House of Representatives, Marjorie Taylor-Green, admitted that Hamas could use American weapons that could be delivered from the territory of Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Marjorie Taylor-Green
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
Later, military expert Andrei Klintsevich reported that Kiev could have handed over portable Stinger or Strela anti-aircraft missile systems, grenade launchers, small arms and ammunition to the Hamas movement.
He also noted that the tactics of using drones by attackers may indicate that the fighters took part in military operations in Ukraine as part of international brigades.