Israel's Innovative Solution: Using Pumps to Counter Hamas Tunnels, WSJ Reports
Israel's strategic move: Using pumps to counter Hamas tunnels. Insights from the latest WSJ report on this unique approach.
Israel has reportedly deployed an innovative system of pumps designed to flood the tunnels used by the militant group Hamas beneath the Gaza Strip. The Wall Street Journal, citing information from U.S. officials, reveals that Israel has set up a series of pumps, situated approximately a mile north of the Al-Shati refugee camp. These pumps, capable of moving thousands of cubic meters of water per hour, aim to displace fighters and neutralize the extensive tunnel network within weeks.
As of mid-November, the pump installation near Al-Shati refugee camp was completed, prompting questions about the potential timing of Israel's action. Notably, it remains uncertain whether Israel would implement this plan before securing the release of all hostages, given previous claims by Hamas about hiding captives in secure locations and tunnels.
While iShook Daily could not independently verify the details, a U.S. official commented that rendering the tunnels inoperable aligns with Israel's strategic interests. This indicates that the country is exploring various methods to achieve its goal of dismantling Hamas's tunnel network.
Israel's defense ministry has not provided an immediate response to media inquiries, and an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) official refrained from commenting on the flooding plan. However, the official emphasized the IDF's commitment to dismantling Hamas's terror capabilities, utilizing diverse military and technological means.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel informed the United States about this option last month, leaving uncertainty about how close Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is to implementing the plan. As of now, Israel has not made a final decision on whether to proceed with the flooding initiative, leaving officials' statements open-ended.
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