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Operation Cast Lead: The Strategic Context, Hamas Tactics, and IDF Accomplishments

Explore the strategic context of Operation Cast Lead, including Hamas tactics, IDF accomplishments, and the investigation process. Discover the key stages of the operation, from the aerial phase to the ground maneuver. Learn about the Hamas military expansion and the ongoing rocket fire on civilians.

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Operation Cast Lead: The Strategic Context, Hamas Tactics, and IDF Accomplishments

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  1. Table of Contents The Strategic Context The Operation Hamas Tactics 2005 2006-2007 2008 Hamas Military Expansion The Strategic Directive Operation Stages Aerial Phase Ground Maneuver IDF Accomplishments Tactic Overview Rocket Fire on Civilians The Human Shield Abuse of Medical Facilities International Law One Year Later IDF Countermeasures Advance Warning Humanitarian Measures Supplies Transferred Fuel and Electricity Supplies Hamas Humanitarian Abuse The Investigation Process Investigation Status The General Staff Investigations The Palestinian Arena Israeli Deterrence Ongoing Hamas Buildup

  2. The Gaza Strip – General Information Area: 360 sq. km (139 sq. m) Length: 41km (25m) Width: 6-12km (4-7.5m) Population: 1,400,000 [90% in urban areas] Population Density: 4,118/km2 Terrain: Plateau [Sand and dune covered coastal plain]

  3. Operation “Cast Lead” The Strategic Context

  4. Israeli Settlements Palestinian Settlements The Cast Lead Context The Disengagement 2008 2007 2006 2005 In August 2005, following 5 years of terror and over 2000 rockets and mortars, the Israeli government concluded a unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, removing 21 Israeli settlements and relocating 8000 Israeli civilians. This effectively turned full control of Gaza over to the PA, provided them with the opportunity to take matters fully until their own hands. However, following the withdrawal, rocket fire from the Gaza Strip sharply rose, with the amount of rockets which were launched at Israel 500% higher in 2006 than 2005 (179 to 946).

  5. The Cast Lead Context Palestinian Elections 2008 2007 2006 2005 In January, 2006, Palestinian elections provided the Hamas with a legislative majority (74/132 seats). The Hamas refused to accept the minimal conditions set forth by the international community: 1) Recognition of Israel; 2) Cessation of all hostility against Israel; and 3) Recognition of treaties signed between Israel and the PA. Hostile activity, including rocket firing, terrorist attacks and the abduction of Cpl. Gilad Shalit on June 25th, continued. Hamas Coup June of 2007 saw the completion of a Hamas coup of the Gaza Strip. In a few short days of fighting, the Hamas violently took control of all government facilities in the area, focusing its armed efforts on Fatah strongholds. International condemnation followed the wide-scale breach of international law. During the coup, the Hamas killed over 130 Palestinians.

  6. The Cast Lead Context State of Calm 2008 2007 2006 2005 In June 2008, the Israeli government accepted the Tahadiya, an Egyptian-brokered understanding in which the Hamas committed to cease rocket fire. This was violated numerous times and was accompanied by ongoing Hamas military buildup. In December 2008, the Hamas unilaterally concluded the arrangement and increased rocket fire on Israeli territory.

  7. ONE MILLION ISRAELIS IN ROCKET RANGE MAJOR IRANIAN SMUGGLING ROUTES The Cast Lead Context Hamas Military Expansion Massive smuggling, primarily through Sinai/Gaza tunnels Substantial support from both Iran and Syria Ongoing rocket fire and attempted terrorist attacks Training and organization of combatants and military force Hostile Hamas takeover of all Gaza Strip institutes and facilities Refusal recognize Israel and ongoing calls for hostilities

  8. When someone is attacked from houses, family houses…there is a responsibility to protect oneself and protect civilians • General Walter J. Natynczyk • Chief of the Defense Staff, Canadian Armed Forces (20/10/09)

  9. Operation “Cast Lead” The Operation

  10. The Strategic Directive At 1130 on Saturday, December 27th, the IDF began operation “Cast Lead”, as directed by the Israeli government. The objectives of the operation were as follows: Create conditions for an improved security situation Long-term cessation of rocket fire and terrorist attacks originating in Gaza Improve comprehensive response to arms smuggling Inflict severe damage to Hamas, short of toppling it Minimize damage to Israeli population

  11. Operation Stages GROUND MANEUVER AIR STRIKE 27/12 3/1 10/1 10/1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 9 10 11 12 13 14 Maneuver expanded Cabinet decision 1st humanitarian pause Beginning of land maneuver Surprise Attack UNSCR 1860 Reserves activated Reserves mobilized

  12. Aerial Phase At 1130 on December 27th 2008, the Israeli Air Force launched a surprise attack in the Gaza Strip. This relied heavily on meticulously planned attacks, based on inter-agency cooperation 180 targets attacked, including a training camp, O2 center and C&C center First three minutes Complete aerial phase Continuous air strikes, with over 950 sorties Targets • Command and control centers • Underground launching sites • Weapons stores • Rocket manufacturing facilities • Training camps • Communications facilities Approximately 300 Hamas operatives killed Targeted strike on Nizar Rian Reliance on advance-warning methods

  13. Ground Maneuver On January 4th 2009, the aerial phase of the operation concluding, and was followed by the entrance of ground forces into the Gaza Strip. Environmental Challenges IAF sorties 2225 • Guerilla combat • Tunnels • Concealment within population • Rigged urban areas • Plans for soldier kidnapping Hamas activists killed 400 Reserve forces mobilized and activated Humanitarian efforts expanded Targeted strike on Said Seyam Technological Aids • ALL-INT support of land brigades with real-time HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT for commanders • 3D fire support (aerial, naval and ground) • Enhanced C4ISR

  14. IDF Accomplishments Average 60 Average 30 Average 20 Rocket Fire during “Cast Lead” IAF sorties 5,650 Palestinian Casualties Army brigades 8 Targets struck 3,400 Reserves drafted 30,000 Hamas members killed Humanitarian trucks ~700 1,500 Terrorist (61%) Suspected terrorist (14%) Civilian (25%) Attacks conducted w/precision ammunition 80%

  15. Operation “Cast Lead” Hamas Tactics

  16. Hamas Tactics Before and during “Cast Lead”, the Hamas relied heavily on breaching the Laws of Armed Conflict, exploiting the Israeli commitment to international laws. This was manifested through multiple channels: Deliberate Rocket Fire on Civilian Targets Use of Civilian Sites as Cover for Military Operations Misuse of Medical Facilities Human Shields

  17. Rocket Fire on Civilian Targets Over one million civilians were in range of the Hamas rocket fire, which launched 820 rockets and mortars deliberately at civilian targets. Hamas boasts of this activity in posters and in the media, despite international condemnation. During “Cast Lead”, 3 Israeli civilians were killed by the rocket and mortar fire. HAMAS POSTER CELEBRATING ROCKET ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS ONE MILLION ISRAELIS IS ROCKET RANGE

  18. The Human Shield “ “ The presence or movements of the civilian population or individual civilians shall not be used to render certain points or areas immune from military operations. Protocol 1, Addition to the Geneva Protocol, Article 51 The Hamas systematically exploited the local population during its activities, operating from within hospitals, mosques, near schools and booby-trapping entire neighborhoods. This has two purposes: Taking advantage of IDF sensitivity to international law Exploiting civilian casualties as propaganda when Israeli attacks were required Rocket Launching from Residential/Protected Areas Civilian/Public Locations Used as Bases of Operation

  19. Accordingly, [Hamas] created a human shield of women, children, the elderly and the mujahideen • Fathi Hamad • Hamas Legislator (29/2/08)

  20. Abuse of Medical Facilities The Hamas also violated international law on numerous occasions by abusing the special protection provided to medical facilities, vehicles and personnel. More importantly, this endangered medical personnel, as well as the sick and wounded. Smuggling of weapons in packages was also attempted. Ismail Haniyeh, the Head of the Hamas in the Gaza Strip, located his Southern Command center in a unit of the Al-Shifa hospital. Other Hamas leaders stationed themselves in another unit of the hospital. Abuse of Al-Shifa Hospital Rockets and outposts were positioned near both hospitals and schools, as well as UN positions. Rocket Launching Ambulances and medical personnel were forced to facilitate Hamas movement and transportation. Ambulances

  21. The defender also has obligations. He cannot exploit these laws by deliberately commingling his fighters with civilians, as Hamas admits it did. • MG (res.) Jim Molan • Chief of Operations of the Iraqi Multinational Force, ’04-’05 • (2/10/09)

  22. Operation “Cast Lead” IDF Compliance withInternational Law

  23. IDF Countermeasures Target Selection As the Hamas attempted to deliberately exploit Israeli commitment to international law, the IDF took multiple measures in order to minimize damage to uninvolved civilians. This included: Target Selection Weapon / Method Selection Sensitive Locations Review by multiple authorities MAG involvement in approval Cross-checked intelligence Target elimination due to insufficient or unreliable intelligence Re-assessment prior to attack Real-time int. during attack Diversion of in-flight missiles 80% precision guided weapons Collaboration on joint map, including 1,900 locations Use of map at all levels Timing modified to ensure minimal civilian presence Target destruction by ground forces when possible Civil Administration coordination center

  24. IDF Advance Warning Methods Radio & Phone Warnings Advance warning was provided in news and radio announcements, as well as through approximately 165,000 recorded calls which were placed. Leaflets Over 2,500,000 leaflets were dropped in the Gaza Strip, including: (1) Warnings to avoid certain buildings known to be military facilities; (2) Directions to leave specific areas prior to a specific time IDF Warning Procedure – Knock on Roof Specific warnings were made immediately prior to the attack. If these were ignored, real-time surveillance was introduced in order to assess the situation. This was followed warnings shots with light weapons which would not cause harm. Only once the departure of all civilians was ensured was the target attacked.

  25. The IDF did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare • Colonel Richard Kemp • Former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan • (16/10/09)

  26. Humanitarian Measures Ongoing Supply Israeli continued to ensure during the course of the operation that humanitarian aid, including food, equipment and medical supplies, were transferred into the Gaza Strip. This frequently took place in spite of Hamas targeting of the crossings. Coordination Coordination centers devoted to ensuring cooperation with international organizations, medical evacuations and assistance and the preservation of critical infrastructure were established, allowing: • Landing of 13 airplanes • Evacuation of 1,246 Palestinians • 382 medical evacuations • Approval of 61 out of 62 donation requests • 833 trucks passing between Gaza and Israel • 186 ambulances passing between Gaza and Israel • 85 movements of international staff in combat area • 21 food transfers for immobile families Suspension Beginning on January 6th, a unilateral three hour humanitarian ceasefire was implemented by Israel. This was later extended to four hours.

  27. Supplies Transferred - Charts A total of 1,503 truckloads, 724 truckloads and donations (total of 37,159 tons)

  28. Fuel and Electric Supply Electricity Capacity in the Gaza Strip

  29. Hamas Humanitarian Abuse While Israel invested significant efforts in alleviating the situation in the Gaza Strip via humanitarian aid, the Hamas expanded its efforts to exploit the humanitarian efforts for its own purposes. This included: Between January 8th and January 17th, a total of 44 rockets and mortars were fired at Israel during the humanitarian lulls Over 40 mortars fired at the humanitarian crossings. Numerous reports of Hamas hijacking of humanitarian supplies (UNRWA supplies, foods…) Infiltration tunnel discovered near Nahal Oz crossing. Tunnel Opening

  30. Operation “Cast Lead” One Year Later

  31. The IDF Investigation Process Investigation Policy Allegation The IDF investigation policy, affirmed by the Attorney General and presented to the Supreme Court of Justice, determines the following structure for investigations: Severe allegation or non-operational Command Investigation Criminal Misconduct Criminal Investigation Israel is committed to maintaining its obligation under the laws of armed conflict, even during the most complex and taxing situations, when fighting an enemy that internationally violates these laws and hides behind civilians. As part of this commitment, Israel investigates every credible allegation regarding violations of the laws of armed conflict. This effort is spear-headed by the MAG, which functions as an independent body in the course of its investigations.

  32. LOAC Investigation Process IDF-MAG HCJ Attorney General Received Complaints 140 complaints Field Investigation Review of the MAG’s decisions 16 cases 14 cases 45 field investigations closed Judicial review Criminal Investigation General Staff Investigations 25 ongoing criminal investigations 5 criminal investigations closed 1 conviction 5 major investigations (25 incidents) Operational mistakes

  33. The Five Major Investigations Beyond the investigations conducted into specific incidents, five general staff investigation teams were created in order inspect broad topics. Subject: Examined damage to UN and international organizations facilities (13 incidents). Results: Numerous precautions and protocols were implemented to minimize collateral damage, in spite of Hamas attempts to the contrary. Disciplinary measures were taken against a colonel, a lieutenant colonel and a soldier.. 1 Subject: Claims regarding IDF fire on medical facilities, vehicles or personnel Results: Five out of seven cases raised proved to be Hamas operatives who were fired upon. The other cases proved to be incidents which stemmed from improper demarcation or coordination 2 Subject: Incidents in which uninvolved civilians may have been injured Results: No incidents in which IDF soldiers deliberately fired on civilians was found. While civilians were inadvertently injured during the operation, the injuries were primarily a result of intense warfare taking place in a highly populated area, exacerbated by Hamas exploitation of civilians. 3 Subject: Usage of weapons with phosphorus components Results: Weapons containing phosphors used by the IDF were used mostly for smoke screening purposes, in accordance with international law. This reduced the need for the usage of other, more dangerous munitions. 4 Subject: Damage to infrastructure and buildings by ground forces Results: The Hamas relied on civilian infrastructure for military positions and traps. The IDF was forced to destroy some infrastructure, but only after authorization by high-ranking officers and while taking full precautions. Investigations did not find any injuries for civilians stemming from these actions. 5

  34. All of Palestine is our land, and it is occupied. It must return to its owners…resistance is our strategic option for liberating our land…” • Khaled Mashal • Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau • (Al-Aqsa Television, October 9th, 2009 )

  35. The Palestinian Arena While Palestinians in the West Bank continues to experience positive growth, due in part to Israeli restriction easing taken despite inherent security risks, continues to focus on ongoing military expansion, as well as attempts to strengthen its political status. West Bank: Limited progress Hamas: Deterrence Military expansion Sporadic attacks

  36. Established Israeli Deterrence 2009 in Numbers Significant decrease in rockets and mortars fired into Israel Decline in Israeli victims of Palestinian terrorist attacks 15 Israeli casualties of terror (9 in Operation Cast Lead) 0 Successful suicide attacks

  37. Ongoing Hamas Buildup Primary Hamas Activities Attempts to strengthen internal political power - including deterrence of local population Massive weapon smuggling – relying primarily on Iranian and Syrian support Increased range and quality of weapons – extension of range to include Tel-Aviv Sporadic terrorist attacks Refusal of international community’s conditions Continued attempts to increase Hamas power in the West Bank

  38. Concluding Remarks Hamas continues efforts to strengthen its political and military force within the Gaza Strip, all the while ignoring the international community’s conditions. The military expansion efforts rely heavily on massive smuggling of weapons, as well as financial support and training, by the Iranian-led Radical Axis. To prevent future escalations, to prevent the Iranian-backed Hamas from increasing its power in the West Bank and to maintain regional stability, the international community must: Refuse recognition of the Hamas as long as it refuses the international community’s terms Take determined action against Iranian and Syrian smuggling, the lifeline of terrorist organizations Ensure that humanitarian aid is not diverted to the Hamas and exploited to strengthen its regime

  39. Sources Created by This presentation was created by LT Eytan Buchman in the Military-Strategic Information Section of the Israel Defense Forces’ Strategic Division, with the assistance of the Strategic Division’s Regional-Strategic Department. • IDF // Strategic Division // The Regional-Strategic Department • IDF // Israel Defense Intelligence • IDF // The Doctrine and Training Division • IDF // Military Advocate General • Ministry of Defense // Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs • The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center • Israeli Security Agency Sources

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