Yogyakarta – Israel deploys Merkava tanks and rhino bulldozers in the Gaza Strip. The attack, which was said to have targeted Hamas military infrastructure, lasted several hours before Israeli troops returned to the area.
Reported detikINET quoted from the BBC, Friday (27/10/2023), this attack by Israeli tanks, infantry and armored units was not the first since the Hamas attack on October 7, but was the largest.
“Through the attack, we neutralized the threat, dismantled the explosives, neutralized the ambush,” said Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari.
This attack was described as a tactical operation with a limited scope, lasting several hours after which all Israeli troops returned to their area.
Footage released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shows armored troops breaking through the border wall and advancing across open sandy land on Gaza’s northern outskirts. Grainy black and white footage, taken from thermal imaging cameras mounted on drones and vehicles, shows tanks firing at a target.
The tanks involved were Merkava Mark IVs, said to be among the most advanced in the world, although Hamas fighters were able to disable and capture one of them on 7 October.
Another vehicle shown in footage released by the IDF is a D9 armored bulldozer with the aim of clearing obstacles, debris and booby traps before troops advance. Operated by the IDF’s Combat Engineering Corps, it is nicknamed Doobi, meaning teddy bear, and has been used in urban operations before.
The D9’s engine, hydraulics and cab all have armor protection and the bulldozer can also be equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers and an Active Protection System to fend off drone attacks.
When Israel’s massive assault on Gaza begins then these armored bulldozers will likely play a key role. But they are not indestructible. One threat is Hamas’ deadly mines which can fire molten metal at supersonic speeds at tanks or other armored vehicles.
Israeli Merkava tanks would also be vulnerable to mines buried in roads, and their topsides vulnerable to rocket-propelled grenade fire from rooftops.
Watch the video “Peeking into Gaza’s underground tunnels which are a challenge for Israel”
(rih/rih)
2023-10-27 23:00:40
#Sighting #Israeli #Merkava #TankArmored #Bulldozer #Gaza #Strip
