Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot said today that the country's security forces are tackling the threat of Hamas tunnels from Gaza, which are the main threat against the country. "We are focusing our intelligence operations on the threat. There are initiatives and stratagems, and we are seeking every possible idea to neutralize the threat. We have advanced capabilities and we are making very major efforts, mostly in places that cannot be seen. There are nearly 100 engineering machines working as part of our operations along the border with the Gaza Strip. Eizenkot was addressing a conference on the IDF and society in memory of Amnon Lipkin-Shahak at the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) today.
Eizenkot also referred to cabinet leaks about attacks on the tunnels. He said, "If a pre-emptive attack is required then it is only right that it should be discussed in the proper place."
He added that the tunnel threat has been the main threat against Israel since 2013. "During operation Protective Edge the IDF dealt with 33 tunnels. Hamas has not neglected this. A major part of the resources that are being brought into Gaza are directed towards building an underground infrastructure."
Eizenkot added that the IDF is concentrating intelligence and engineering efforts on the threat. "We have the most advanced capabilities in the world. We won't let the quiet in the south deceive us. I think that 2015 was the quietest year since the 70s. 23 rockets were fired from the Gaza strip into our territory by rebel and Salafi organizations."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 9, 2016
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