Yaakov Amidror
Jerusalem Post, Aug. 13, 2024
“The more the IDF succeeds in hitting the military side, the easier it will be to target the civilian system that will float to the surface.”
Recently, CNN published an in-depth article on the war in Gaza, claiming that while the IDF dealt a severe blow to Hamas, the organization is reorganizing on the ground. According to the report, Hamas is recruiting new members, reviving damaged units, and regaining operational capabilities. Although it may adopt different combat tactics, its military strength remains intact and is renewing itself.
This claim reflects a fundamental misunderstanding, leading to a significant error. Let me illustrate with a scenario close to reality: Suppose a Hamas battalion consisted of 1,000 fighters divided into five companies. After a fierce battle, the IDF killed, severely wounded, or captured about 700 of them. Additionally, the battalion commander, one of his deputies, and four company commanders were killed.
During the battle, the IDF also eliminated the brigade commander to whom the battalion belonged and destroyed the command centers from which the brigade commander, battalion commander, and company commanders operated. After the IDF withdrew, 300 young Gazans were recruited into the battalion. On the surface, it appears that Hamas has restored the battalion to its previous strength in the area where it was deployed before the ground maneuver. However, this is an optical illusion. Not only is the battalion now smaller by a third, with only 600 fighters, but it also bears little resemblance to its former self: Half of its members are completely untrained; most of its commanders are new and far less experienced than the previous leadership.
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