Cleared for publication: Israel has tried twice but failed to kill Mohammed Deif, the infamous commander of Hamas's military wing the Izzedin al-Qassam Brigades, since the beginning of Operation Guardian of the Walls, the military confirmed on Wednesday.
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Both attempts took place last week, but the IDF did not release details on their nature at this time.
Israeli strikes on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets over the 10-day campaign has left over 150 terrorists dead, including dozens of top commanders in both groups.
The IDF said one of its objectives in the fighting is to take out senior figures in Gaza, naming Deif at the top of its list.
Deif, the mastermind behind numerous terrorist attacks that have killed dozens of Israelis, has been on Israel's most-wanted list for over 25 years and has escaped at least five Israeli attempts on his life.
According to available information, Israel tried to eliminate Deif in 2001, 2002, in which he was partially blinded; 2003, and in 2006, when he was severely injured, losing both of his legs and one arm.
IDF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Hidai Zilberman said Wednesday that Tuesday's strike on Hamas assets in Gaza targeted its massive underground tunnel network, dubbed the "metro," in the southern Strip for the fifth time.
The assault included 50 warplanes striking a 12-kilometer stretch of the "metro" with 110 precision-guided bombs, he said.
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