Holding territory it conquers is a key part of the latest iteration of the IDF’s mission to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities, and is exemplified by the seven new outposts on a forward defensive line called Seventy Ridge, Ynet reported Sunday.

The 70-meter (230 feet) high elevation runs for miles from the northern to central parts of the Gaza Strip, roughly paralleling the Gaza envelope communities just two kilometers to their east.

Hamas operatives used to fire at the communities from this ridge, and dug a network of tunnels underneath it as well.