The IAF had not practiced scenarios involving ground invasions from Gaza at all in recent years, an IDF investigation found.
Among Hamas’s main targets in its opening strike on Oct. 7, 2023, were Israeli Air Force bases, an IDF investigation reveals. The bases included Nevatim, Ramon and Hatzerim in the Negev, and Palmachim south of greater Tel Aviv.
Hamas fired 4,500 rockets and mortar shells on the day of the invasion. Although air-raid sirens sounded in many parts of the country, the investigation found that the terrorist group was trying to hit military outposts along the Gaza border and Air Force bases.
The barrage was intense, apparently in an effort to prevent airplane takeoffs, according to a Channel 12 report on Saturday.