New Details About The 50 Hamas Terrorists Near Border: "If This Isn't a Threat, Then What Is?"

Channel 12 News reported on an incident near the Gaza border in which approximately 50 Hamas terrorists gathered for what was assessed as a training exercise simulating a raid on an Israeli settlement. Avigdor Liberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, disclosed the details on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 3 a.m. On Tuesday when the IDF received real-time intelligence about an unusual gathering of Hamas terrorists engaged in suspicious activity inside Gaza near the Israeli border. While initially assessed as a routine training exercise, the IDF prepared for a potential surprise raid or assault on IDF positions in the area. The Gaza Division raised its alert level and deployed forces along the border, while a Zik UAV was sent to monitor the activity.

However, the drone was unable to visually identify the gathering indicated by intelligence. Soldiers requested authorization from commanders to conduct a preemptive strike, arguing that immediate action was necessary to prevent a surprise attack and maintain deterrence. Commanders declined, stating that no unusual gathering had been identified through surveillance systems.

An officer present during the incident expressed frustration to Channel 12, stating: "If this isn't a threat that we're allowed to strike, then what is?" The officer added: "We wanted to strike, and they wouldn't authorize it. We feel that our hands are tied in the face of terrorists who are already sitting and planning the next massacre."

The forces remained on heightened alert until morning, when the gathering dispersed. The IDF confirmed details of the incident to Channel 12, stating no visual confirmation was obtained and emphasizing that rules of engagement regarding Gaza remained unchanged. Soldiers in the Gaza Strip, however, expressed growing frustration about perceived restrictions on their operations.