Since the beginning of the conflict, the Israeli Navy has been active in the Gaza arena in both defense and offense, as well as in assisting other forces. Naval vessels have targeted hundreds of terrorist targets, including observation posts, anti-tank guided missile contingents naval vessels, as well as Hamas infrastructure and bases. So far, the forces have eliminated about 200 terrorists, including many from the Hamas naval commandos. In addition, Shayetet 13 – Israel's Navy SEAL unit – has carried out special operations and raids in the Gaza Strip.
Video: The Israeli Navy joins the Gaza operations/ Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
With the expansion of ground operations, cooperation between the Israeli Navy and the ground forces has also expanded. The forces participate in supporting and covering the ground forces with artillery support and targeting various targets on land. As part of the extensive joint operations effort, senior officers from ground units have been stationed in certain command posts in the southern maritime area and have led precision attacks in coordination under the direction of IDF infantry and armored forces.
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"Our motto is an iron wall in defense. We are focused on three efforts: defense, offense, and assistance to the ground maneuver. We are determined, and we will prevail," says Lt. Col. Matan the head of the 916th Squadron.
Video: Israeli naval forces in the Gaza operation / Credit: IDF
The forces maintain direct real-time communication and operate in coordination, serving as a force multiplier for ground operations. In some cases, threats have emerged from the sea, which the forces quickly responded to, leading to the elimination of terrorists and the defense of ground forces.
Documentation of the Navy's attack in the Gaza Strip, Photo: IDF Spokesperson
Brig. Gen. Eitan Paz, who is the commander of the Ashdod Naval Base: "The Israeli Navy is operating in full cooperation with the ground forces that have been stationed in the Gaza Strip since the ground incursion. Each of the brigades in the ground maneuver has a team of patrol boats, missile boats, and Shayetet 13 commandos, which provide fire support and observation for the forces. Joint operations have led us to rapid engagements with the enemy, within minutes of the encounter, which including the targeting of many terror entities. This is done in parallel with the hundreds of infrastructure-destruction operations carried out by the navy since the start of the war.
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