Israeli army ready to continue fighting in winter - IDF
Israeli army ready to continue fighting in winter (Photo: Getty Images)
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are prepared for the continuation of military operations during the winter period and have initiated a large-scale process to equip their troops with special winter gear across all borders, according to The JPost.
The IDF statement mentions that 129,000 winter jackets and 369,000 small disposable warming bags have already been issued to the military.
However, except for the War of Independence in 1948-49, a different era tactically where the IDF tried to hold or recapture positions rather than invade enemy territory, the IDF lacked experience in conducting military operations during the winter period.
Assuming that the IDF indeed has or provides all the necessary additional jackets and heating platforms and addresses other issues related to staying warm and differences in the functioning of people and machinery in winter, some serious mistakes can be avoided.
Even if the military solves these known and fundamental problems, such as preventing soldiers from freezing in field conditions, it remains unclear how prepared they are strategically and tactically, given the lack of experience in winter combat conditions.
War in Israel
In early October, Hamas militants launched a massive invasion into Israel, killing and kidnapping both military and civilian residents. In response, Israel declared a military operation against the Iron Swords militants.
As part of this, the IDF expanded its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, deploying troops and equipment to the region.
According to reports, this occurred after negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding the release of hostages reached an impasse.
Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Haggai stated that IDF forces had surrounded the city of Gaza, and there was no ceasefire in sight.
Yesterday, Israeli ground forces had surrounded Gaza and reached the sea.
