Israel continues to test its new weapons in its war on Gaza

Israel continues to improve its military capabilities and test new technologies in its wars on Gaza (Reuters)

Israel continues experiments and tests on a variety of new and deadly weapons and ammunition in the Gaza Strip, as these operations began since the beginning of its war on the seventh of last October.

According to the Turkish Anatolia News Agency, the experiments carried out by the Israeli army, which enjoys significant support from the United States, include a variety of locally produced weapons and ammunition, targeting many specific targets in the Gaza Strip.

Since last October 7, Israel has announced the establishment of a new military unit called “Hashomer Brigade” or “Brigade 855” with the aim of strengthening the defensive capabilities of Israeli settlements.

Despite Israeli assurances that this brigade focuses on protecting settlements, it is expected to participate in offensive operations as well.

Test new weapons

In addition, recent wars in Gaza have seen the use of new types of weapons, including the Negev machine gun and the Hewlett and Yatid missiles, which are supposed to be accurate and effective in residential areas.

Military operations also witnessed developments in tank and armored technology, as the fifth generation Merkava “Barak” tanks were tested and new armored personnel carriers such as “Eitan” and “Nimr 1500” were used.

In addition, Tel Aviv participated in the current operations in the Gaza Strip with the Kfir Infantry Unit, and fielded the 5th Reserve Division, the Refaim Special Forces Unit, and the 19th Infantry Division.

A new tank unit called "Phoenix" was also created within the group of Israeli armored units to participate in ground attacks and military operations in Gaza.

Developed infantry and armored weapons

Using it for the first time against the Palestinians in the war on the Gaza Strip, Israeli ground forces began testing many weapons and war technologies developed by the Israeli military industries.

Since the start of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, Israel has used for the first time the Negev machine gun, which operates with a 7.62 mm caliber and is distinguished by its ability to penetrate buildings.

The Negev weighs about 7.5 kilograms and can be used with ammunition that penetrates concrete walls and rubble. In addition, the performance of the steel jackets and metal rods of the machine gun units has been improved to enable them to carry more ammunition and be used in the sandy areas of Gaza.

During previous attacks in Gaza, Israeli soldiers often used shoulder-fired LAW and Matador missiles.

It was reported that the Israeli army used two new missiles known as “Heolit” and “Yatid” during the current attacks, starting on October 7, 2023.

According to Anadolu, there is no specific information available about the characteristics of the Hewlit and Yatid missiles, but press reports indicated that they have better accuracy than previous missiles such as the Lao and Matador, and they also appear more effective in residential areas.

On October 22, the Israeli army published pictures of a special “Magellan” commando unit using new, precision-guided 120 mm mortar shells, known as the “Iron Sting.”

The Iron Sting weighs about 17 kilograms and uses laser guidance and GPS. Military reports stated that its range reaches 10 kilometers, and it can penetrate 20 cm of concrete, causing damage that includes civilians.

During the current war on the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army used for the first time EDO night vision goggles, which provide three-dimensional images for patrols or soldiers in combat battalions in conditions of low light or complete darkness.

Israel announced modifications to the M270 multi-barrel rocket launch system, produced by the American company Lockheed Martin (MLRS), to improve its accuracy and its use of the Acueller-122 guided missiles.

New tanks and armored personnel carriers

Israel tested the fifth generation of Merkava "Barak" tanks in the Strip, a batch of which was received in September 2023.

The ability of modern tanks to use artificial intelligence is considered the most important element, in addition to providing features similar to those found in F-35 pilot helmets, including analyzing information and collecting military data.

Through the system known as “iron vision,” the tank commander can see his surroundings at a 360-degree angle, as if the armor is transparent, and he can use all of the tank’s systems simply via a keyboard located in front of him.

In addition, Israel explained that it used an armored personnel carrier called "Tiger 1500" (Leopard) for the first time in its war on Gaza, as the tanker's engine has a power of 1,500 horsepower and uses touch screens.

Israel also used for the first time an armored personnel carrier known as "Eitan", which weighs between 30 and 35 tons, and was received in May 2023.

The "Eitan" rubber-wheeled vehicle was developed by the Israeli Ministry of War, and is used to transport personnel and weapons with a crew of three.

Source: Anadolu Agency