Engaging in aerial combat with F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, or F-35 Lightning IIs is relatively straightforward when there’s no opposing air force to contend with. However, ground assaults present a vastly different reality. As tanks advance and infantry soldiers secure territory, they face a deadly gauntlet of rockets, landmines, snipers, and more. Thousands of feet above, the relative safety of the cockpit feels worlds away, and even the protection of a tank or bulletproof vest doesn’t guarantee survival. This harsh reality is acutely felt by Israeli infantry soldiers who have recently pushed into various areas of Gaza and Lebanon, suffering casualties as they initiate their ground offensives. The echoes of conflict reverberate through the streets of Gaza and the hills of southern Lebanon, reminding us that these regions are not just battlegrounds but also poignant reminders of long-standing grievances, entrenched rivalries, and the complexities of modern warfare.
Terrain and Tactics
The urban landscape of Gaza presents formidable challenges for military operations. Narrow streets and densely packed buildings make maneuvering difficult for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). The flat terrain, while facilitating troop movements, offers limited natural cover, increasing the risk of collateral damage. Hamas has constructed a vast network of tunnels, enabling covert movement and facilitating surprise attacks and ambushes against Israeli forces.
The IDF employs a range of tactics in Gaza. Urban warfare techniques, like house-to-house searches and direct engagements, require specialized units trained in close-quarters combat, similar to the Indian Army’s Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) used in Jammu and Kashmir. The IDF aims to neutralize threats while minimizing civilian casualties. Counter-tunnel operations are crucial, with specialized units deployed to locate and dismantle Hamas’s tunnel systems using drone surveillance and ground-penetrating radar. For complex and high-risk targets, the IDF utilizes airstrikes and artillery bombardments to target Hamas command centers, weapon caches, and tunnel networks.
In Lebanon, the terrain is more varied, with rugged mountainous terrain alongside urban centers. This diverse topography allows Hezbollah to utilize guerrilla warfare tactics, taking advantage of natural cover for ambushes and fortified positions. The complexity of the terrain makes conventional military maneuvers difficult, necessitating a more nuanced approach from the IDF.
Israel’s key tactics in Lebanon include limited ground engagements. The IDF has opted for rapid, tactical operations instead of large-scale ground invasions to minimize the risks associated with prolonged engagements. Enhanced intelligence gathering is critical for monitoring Hezbollah’s activities, utilizing aerial reconnaissance and electronic surveillance to track movements and infrastructure. Targeted airstrikes aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s missile storage facilities and command centers are also integral to Israel’s strategy, seeking to weaken the group’s operational capabilities without escalating into a full-blown war.
Current Gaza and Lebanon Operations
At the beginning of the year, the IDF initiated Operation Shield of Defence in response to a surge in rocket fire from Hamas, aiming to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure by targeting key leadership and operational capabilities. The IDF’s tactics included extensive airstrikes targeting Hamas’s rocket launch sites, command centers, and tunnel networks. Ground operations were also employed to secure areas and neutralize immediate threats. The humanitarian impact of these operations has been significant, with reports of civilian casualties and extensive infrastructure damage.
The Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip is a significant aspect of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel commenced bombing the Gaza Strip on October 13. Ground operations began shortly after, with a full-scale invasion launched on October 27 under the campaign named Operation Swords of Iron. This campaign has two primary goals: to destroy Hamas and to free hostages. On January 23, the Israeli military reported the deaths of 24 soldiers in the Gaza Strip, including 21 reservists in a single incident near the border, marking the deadliest day for Israeli forces since the war began. Hamas claimed responsibility for this incident, highlighting the vulnerability of ground forces compared to their counterparts operating from fighter jets. According to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since the onset of ground operations in Gaza on October 27, 2023, 346 soldiers have tragically lost their lives in combat.
As of September 30, 2024, the data on IDF soldiers wounded in battle reflects the severe impact of the ongoing conflict. Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, a total of 4,481 soldiers have been injured. Specifically, since the beginning of ground operations, there have been 2,298 wounded, highlighting the immense toll of the conflict.
In Lebanon, Israeli military operations have primarily focused on Operation Northern Shield, initiated in response to Hezbollah’s increased military activity along the border and within Israel. This operation aims to conduct airstrikes against Hezbollah’s missile storage facilities and launch sites, seeking to disrupt their operational capabilities and deter further aggression. Continuous aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions are utilized to monitor Hezbollah’s movements, enhancing Israel’s intelligence on potential threats. Reports from Tuesday indicate that Israel has launched an overnight invasion of Lebanon, with IDF troops crossing the border to conduct significant attacks on what they claim are Hezbollah targets while urging local residents to evacuate. The Israeli military announced the start of a “limited, localized” operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, stating that “targeted ground raids” are being executed in villages close to the Israeli border. These targets have been identified as posing an “immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.” Residents in over 20 towns in southern Lebanon have been advised to evacuate immediately. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted on X, stating, “The IDF does not want to harm you, and for your own safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately. Any home used by Hezbollah for its military needs is expected to be targeted.” Israel announced early Tuesday that this operation had been in the planning stages for several months and was launched following approval from political leaders. Drawing on its experience in Gaza, Israeli infantry soldiers and personnel from mechanised infantry divisions are determined to avoid repeating past mistakes in Lebanon, striving to minimize casualties in this new offensive.
A History of Conflicts
The conflict in Gaza has been central to Israeli military operations since Hamas assumed control of the territory in 2007. Previous military actions, including Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), Operation Pillar of Defence (2012), and Operation Protective Edge (2014), were initiated in response to escalating rocket fire from Gaza. These operations aimed to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure and leadership but frequently resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. Over the years, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, with military operations exacerbating pre-existing challenges. This ongoing cycle of violence has created a complex dynamic, where military actions attract international criticism, yet Israel asserts the necessity of its operations for national security.
In Lebanon, Israel’s military history is deeply connected to its enduring conflict with Hezbollah, which has evolved since the 1982 Lebanon War and the 2006 Lebanon War. Hezbollah’s military capabilities have significantly grown over time, bolstered by support from Iran, leading to increased tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israel’s focus has shifted towards countering Hezbollah’s influence while navigating Lebanon’s intricate political landscape. These historical conflicts have shaped Israel’s military strategies and responses in both regions, perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability.
A Region Too Hot
The urban landscape of Gaza and the diverse terrain of Lebanon require distinct tactical approaches as the IDF seeks to neutralize threats from both areas. As tensions rise, these regions remain crucial focal points in Israel’s broader security strategy, reflecting the inherent challenges and complexities of achieving lasting peace and stability.
