Skip to main content

Why Israel is in no rush to destroy Hamas tunnels

The IDF hopes that by destroying Hamas tunnels gradually and not all at once it can avoid a full-out confrontation.
29365937_10160121752610524_3685672171553685504_o.jpg

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed two more border tunnels March 18 in response to the detonation of two explosive devices near the Gaza fence over the weekend. After the operation, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman promised that by the end of the year, the Palestinian group’s entire tunnel project would be history. "Israel destroys one Hamas tunnel after another, systematically and based on quality intelligence and ground-breaking technology,” he added.

Coordinator of Government Activity in the Territories Yoav Mordechai derided the ambitious tunnel project in which Hamas has invested vast sums of money, terming it ostentatious and pointless. "With all of the cement, iron, electricity and resources the terror organization Hamas is investing in the tunnels that the IDF effectively eliminates time after time, they could have built a pyramid, a world wonder. However, Hamas' terror tunnels are a world wonder of stupidity," said the major general in a statement.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.