Hamas Rocket Launchers Used to Target Israeli City Located by IDF

Latest Developments

Rocket launchers used by Hamas to target the Israeli city of Netivot on January 16 were located in Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as reported on January 17. “The troops discovered three launchers, each equipped with ten barrels, some of which were loaded with rockets. The compound and the launchers were promptly destroyed by the IDF, thwarting potential future attacks,” The Jerusalem Post reported. Hamas has continued to target Israeli civilians with rocket fire since it launched its massive attack on Israel on October 7.

Expert Analysis

“Hamas continues to target Israel with rocket fire, showing that the terrorist group is not yet defeated in Gaza. Hamas has embedded terrorist infrastructure throughout civilian areas of Gaza and Israel must have the time and support to uproot the rocket launchers and tunnels there. Hamas has illustrated in the past that it can repair and reposition its rocket launchers, threatening millions of Israelis.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Despite the Israeli military’s progress in dismantling terrorist infrastructure such as rocket launchers, there remains a lot of unfinished work. It is important to acknowledge that the military network associated with Hamas and its terrorist allies in the Gaza Strip is vast and will take time to be dismantled and destroyed.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Over 9,000 Rockets Have Been Fired From Gaza

More than 9,000 rockets have been fired at Israel by terrorist groups in Gaza since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, according to IDF data published on January 14. The IDF’s discovery and destruction of the launch site that targeted Netivot took place in the context of Hamas’s continued attempts to target Israeli cities. The IDF said on January 16 that it had located 100 “rocket installations” in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.

Israel Airdrops Supplies to Troops in Gaza

The IDF airdropped 16 tons of equipment and food to troops in Gaza, the IDF revealed on January 17. The airdrops are used to supply soldiers in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza where Hamas continues to operate. Five airdrops since October 7 transporting some 60 tons of food, water, and ammunition have allowed the IDF to bypass dangerous roads.

Related Analysis

“Israel: North Gaza Still Too Dangerous for Civilians to Return,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas Airs Videos of Hostages, Claims Two Are Dead,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli Forces Locate Tunnel Where Hostages Were Held in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief