Reconnaissance planes fly over Gaza’s tiny rectangle, part of a gigantic air and naval complex. The biggest in decades. Some concentrate on the southern area, others patrol routes perpendicular to the coast towards Lebanon and Syria. They have devices that allow them to capture communications, detect movement and track possible targets.
The Israelis immediately deployed the electronic component such as the Oron jet to deliver data to fighters and intelligence agencies. But Jerusalem is not alone. Spotters, experts who track flights, have reported attacks by American drones, patrol boats and British vehicles. Some started in Sigonella, Sicily, Crete and Cyprus. They have no weapons on board, they are listening, they are looking for signals.
The attention to the southern sector is linked to two objectives: the possible presence of hostages and the existence of Al-Aqsa Brigades hideouts. There are also branching tunnels that served as underground bases for the military and were simultaneously converted into prisons for over 300 people. Various reconstructions have claimed that the militiamen relied on a landline installed in the tunnels for fear of wiretapping, while the main leaders, starting with Mohammed Deif, eschewed any “tools” and relied on messengers. Probably, although there are limits, especially when fighting is underway. They must give orders, direct the “fire,” and confirm to their followers that they are always in command. Absolute silence is valuable when it comes to “disappearing,” especially when many are waiting for your instructions.
Then there is a need in Jerusalem (but also in Washington) to collect external elements on the hostage dossier. In addition, in the southern area around Rafah are the “service tunnels”: if a Hamas officer needs to get to Egypt, this is the way out. Surveillance becomes a shield at sea and a means of alerting Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah.
The Pentagon, together with NATO partners, has mobilized impressive forces. Observers still assume there are at least 43 “hulls”. The map shows two aircraft carriers, a command ship and a few that can act as “bases”, others for logistics, a large number of frigates and destroyers, a NATO support group and a formation led by the amphibious assault ship in the Red Sea 2,000 marines, submarines. The Ford aircraft carrier has been in the eastern area of the Mediterranean for days, the Ford entered over the weekend and we will see if it takes up position here or reaches the Persian Gulf instead.
London has already deployed some units, Paris has mobilized the Tonnerre (also for amphibious and, if necessary, humanitarian missions), followed by two frigates. Italy has the frigate Fasan and the submarine Venuti in the area, soon to be joined by the amphibious assault ship San Giorgio, the patrol ship Thaon de Revel and a second frigate, the Bergamini. The task force operates off the coast of Lebanon in support of peacekeepers guarding the border with Israel, a contingent that includes over a thousand of our soldiers.