It has been over 30 days since the war against Hamas in Gaza began. Despite weeks of aerial bombing by the Israeli Air Force, a ground campaign was initiated in late October, with three divisions moving into different parts of Gaza. The 36th division was tasked with encircling Gaza City, with the aim of cutting it off from southern Gaza.
During the battle, the IDF utilized various forms of firepower, including tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, infantry, the air force, and navy ships. Coordinating all this power is a complex task that is focused on precision rather than mass destruction.
The operations center of the 282nd Fire Brigade plays a crucial role in coordinating these strikes. This brigade is part of the 36th Division and consists of various strike cells made up of soldiers who use computers and communications to bring fire down on threats in Gaza.
One of the strike cell commanders, known only as Maj. G., is an entrepreneur in his civilian life and has been working with an IDF strike cell for 15 years. The purpose of these strike cells is to support maneuvering forces and protect them from friction and enemy forces as they advance into Gaza.
The strike cells also aim to minimize collateral damage by utilizing precise intelligence and a variety of smart munitions. These cells were developed following the need for better coordination after the 2006 Lebanon War, where the IDF struggled to effectively coordinate units.
In the current campaign, there is a strong focus on precision and timing to ensure minimal civilian casualties and destruction. The use of advanced technology, such as drones and smart munitions, has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of these strike cells.
Overall, the goal of the strike cells is to close the loop on enemy targets, meaning the time it takes to neutralize a threat is significantly reduced from when the threat is identified. The coordination between various units, both on the ground and in the air, plays a crucial role in achieving this precision.
