Tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Hamas, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now taking a new approach to combat the terrorist group's underground tunnel network in Gaza. According to reports, the IDF is planning to deploy a new weapon, known as "sponge bombs," to trap and seal off Hamas terrorists inside the hundreds of miles of underground tunnels that they hide in underneath Gaza.
The use of sponge bombs is not a new concept for the IDF, as the Israeli military has reportedly been using them in training exercises over the last two years. These chemical bombs, when detonated, quickly expand into a foam that hardens rapidly, allowing the IDF to effectively seal off entire sections of tunnels and prevent Hamas from ambushing them as they navigate through Gaza.
The decision to use sponge bombs comes after Hamas launched an unprecedented terror attack earlier this month, resulting in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis and leaving 5,300 others wounded. The terrorist group has been known to use underground tunnels to launch surprise attacks on Israeli forces, making it difficult for the IDF to navigate and locate their positions.
Troops are likely to face a bloody battle through the tunnels known as the “Gaza Metro” when they launch their expected ground invasion. The network is thought to be hundreds of miles long and dense with traps.
https://t.co/9MzShsF7Zb— King Arthur (@Antipolluters) October 26, 2023
To combat this, the IDF has been utilizing various techniques and technologies, including ground and aerial sensors, ground penetrating radar, and special drilling systems, to detect and locate the tunnels. The use of sponge bombs as part of this strategy will provide the IDF with an efficient and effective way to neutralize the threat posed by these underground tunnels.
According to experts in underground warfare, such as John Spencer, a former US major who chairs urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, fighting in tunnels is a unique and challenging situation. He notes that "nothing that is used on the surface works in the same way or with the same efficiency underground." This is why specialized equipment, such as sponge bombs, is crucial in dealing with this type of warfare.
🇮🇱🇵🇸 - "Sponge bombs" are Israel's new secret weapon for blocking Hamas tunnels - The Telegraph
In a ground operation in Gaza, "sponge bombs" could be used, which seal the entrances and cause blindness in people.
The IDF's new chemical device produces a sudden explosion of foam… pic.twitter.com/Ny0BG3hjg8
— il libanese (@Ramy_Sawma) October 28, 2023
While the use of sponge bombs may provide the IDF with an advantage in combating Hamas' tunnel network, it also comes with its own set of dangers and challenges. Mishandling the mixture can result in soldiers being blinded, making it crucial for IDF engineering specialists to be well-trained in their use.
In conclusion, the deployment of sponge bombs by the IDF signals a new approach in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As tensions continue to rise, it is clear that the IDF is committed to finding strategic and effective ways to counter the threat posed by Hamas and its underground network. It remains to be seen how successful this new weapon will be in achieving this goal, but it is evident that the IDF is determined to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.