The Israeli Navy successfully thwarted a significant security breach when they intercepted an attempted infiltration by a group of Hamas terrorists from the Gaza Strip into Israel via the sea. The incident occurred on a Tuesday evening, as reported by The Israel Times. The exact number of Hamas divers involved in the infiltration was not specified by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), but estimates from Hebrew-language media reports suggest it was between five and eight individuals.
This infiltration attempt triggered alarms in the border communities of Zikim and Karmia. These areas had largely been evacuated following a previous assault by Hamas on October 7, which had left them in a state of heightened alert. Only essential personnel and local security teams remained in the area, which had been declared a closed military zone, according to The Times of Israel.
In response to the situation, the IDF deployed a fighter jet, which carried out an airstrike on a compound believed to be the launching point for the Hamas terrorists. The IDF Spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, confirmed that Navy forces, including naval commandos, were actively searching for any additional members of the terrorist cell in the sea. The IDF had identified the Hamas cell entering the sea from a tunnel originating from Gaza City’s coast. Navy forces engaged the divers, leading to their elimination.
Hamas claimed responsibility for the sea-borne attack attempt and reported clashes with Israeli forces after an alleged infiltration. Later, another infiltration warning was sounded in Zikim, Karmia, and Netiv Ha’asara, but the IDF Home Front Command eventually declared the incident over.
The Israeli Navy has a track record of successfully preventing multiple infiltration attempts via the sea, including those during and after Hamas’s October 7 invasion of southern Israel. Video footage released by the IDF showed the Navy’s Snapir unit repelling Hamas terrorists attempting to infiltrate via the sea on the morning of October 7. Dozens of Palestinian terrorists on speedboats and other vessels were reported killed during that assault.
Two days after the invasion, the Navy apprehended Muhammad Abu Ghali, the deputy commander of the southern division of the Hamas naval force, underscoring the Israeli Navy’s vigilance in safeguarding its coastline and preventing security breaches. The recent incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Israel and the measures taken to defend against threats, both known and potential, in the region.
INCIDENT SUMMARY
• Israeli Navy foiled an infiltration attempt by Hamas terrorists from Gaza into Israel via the sea.
• The exact number of terrorists involved was estimated at 5 to 8 individuals.
• The incident triggered alarms in previously evacuated border communities.
• The IDF deployed a fighter jet to respond with an airstrike on a compound believed to be the launch point for the terrorists.
