IDF Destroys Hamas Rocket Launchers After Large Barrage on Tel Aviv

Latest Developments

Israeli fighter jets on January 30 destroyed Hamas rocket launchers in Gaza that the terrorist organization had used the day prior to target central Israel. The major salvo of rockets towards Tel Aviv and nearby cities and towns on January 29 was the first such attack by Hamas in almost a month. Since October 7, when Hamas began its attack on Israel by firing thousands of rockets, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimates that more than 9,000 rockets crossed into Israel during the following three months. Rocket fire from Gaza has declined in January, thus the January 29 attack represents an escalation by Hamas. In mid-January, the IDF also uncovered a rocket launcher used in an attack on the Israeli city of Netivot. 

Expert Analysis

“The rocket fire by Hamas targeting Tel Aviv on January 29 illustrates that Hamas continues to possess dangerous long-range capabilities. It is important to eliminate the Hamas rocket threat, which has sent millions of Israelis to shelters over the last four months of fighting. Hamas rockets are one layer of its arsenal that illustrates its threat to Israel and the region.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“As long as Hamas continues to operate in the Gaza Strip, the threat of rocket attacks will persist. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that the frequency of rocket fire has notably diminished since the start of the war, and this downward trajectory should continue as long as the Israeli military presses on against Hamas.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Half of Hamas Terrorists Defeated

Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on January 29 that “a quarter of Hamas’s terrorists have been killed and at least another quarter are wounded — the ‘hourglass’ has flipped against their favor.” Gallant was speaking to members of an IDF artillery unit on the border of Gaza. “This is a long war, but in the end, we will break Hamas. We must keep going until we eliminate them as a governing system, and as a military organization capable of launching attacks against the State of Israel,” Gallant said.

Operations Continue in Khan Younis

Israel continued operations against Hamas terrorists in Khan Younis on January 30. The IDF destroyed a military site used by a Hamas anti-tank unit. Israeli forces also discovered an extensive tunnel system built under a cemetery. Hamas has used civilian areas, including hospitals, to hide its tunnels throughout Gaza. The IDF believes it is close to defeating Hamas in Khan Younis after almost two months of fighting in the city.

Related Analysis

“Israel: Discussion of Hostage Crisis ‘Constructive,’ But ‘Significant Gaps’ Remain,” FDD Flash Brief

“Up to 40 Percent of Hamas Terror Tunnels in Gaza Damaged or Destroyed,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Demands Qatari Action on Hostages,” FDD Flash Brief