29 October 2023

Israeli ‘Sponge Bombs’ For Sealing Gaza Tunnels

In the year 2021, observant eyes witnessed IDF personnel deploying these ingenious devices during training exercises. A mock tunnel system was established at the Tze’Elim army base, located near the Gaza border, to hone the skills required to navigate these underground passages.
As the IDF prepares for the impending ground invasion, it is imperative to acknowledge the challenging and potentially perilous journey its troops might undertake within the extensive labyrinth of tunnels known colloquially as the “Gaza Metro.”

Israel preparing 'sponge bomb' as its secret weapon to block Gaza tunnels

These specialized gadgets are housed in a plastic container with a metal divider between two liquids. The compounds combine as the soldier positions or launches the 'bomb' forward after removing this barrier

FP Staff Last Updated:October 26, 2023 14:07:44 IST
Israel preparing 'sponge bomb' as its secret weapon to block Gaza tunnels

Representational Image.

    Israel is set to employ innovative “sponge bombs” as a strategic tool in its operations to combat the network of Hamas tunnels beneath Gaza.
    According to a report by Telegraph, these sponge bombs, a unique creation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), do not contain explosives but serve the purpose of sealing off gaps or tunnel entrances from which enemy fighters might emerge.
    The IDF has maintained a tight-lipped stance on the utilization of these so-called “sponge bombs,” which unleash a sudden burst of foam that rapidly expands and solidifies.
    Sponge Bombs: Israel's Secret Weapon Against Hamas

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    Israel preparing 'sponge bomb' as its secret weapon to block Gaza tunnels
    Iron Sting: Israel's latest weapon system | Israel to use sponge bombs in  Gaza | World News | WION - YouTube
    Uploaded: Oct 26, 2023
    24.7K Views
    According to a report, these sponge bombs, a unique creation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), do not contain explosives but serve the purpose of sealing off gaps or tunnel entrances from which ...
    Sponge bombs': Israel's new secret weapon for inside Hamas tunnels
    Israel's new secret weapon sponge bombs

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    Israel's Underground Warfare in Gaza: The Use of Sponge Bombs

    Beneath Gaza: Israel’s Subterranean War Against Hamas

    By Shivani Chauhan

    In the labyrinthine depths beneath Gaza, a war unfolds unseen but not unfelt. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are pursuing a ceaseless campaign against an extensive network of underground tunnels, the ‘Gaza Metro,’ utilized by Hamas militants. At the heart of this subterranean warfare are sponge bombs – innovative chemical weapons designed to seal off this intricate system of passageways.

    The Invisible Battlefield

    The ‘Gaza Metro’ is a complex web of tunnels sprawling hundreds of miles beneath Gaza’s surface. These underground arteries, believed to be laden with booby traps, serve multiple purposes for Hamas, from weapon storage to launching sites for rocket attacks. Essentially, they are the veins through which the lifeblood of Hamas’ resistance flows.
    The IDF’s response to this challenge is both creative and controversial. Sponge bombs, stored in plastic containers, consist of two liquid compounds. When mixed, they generate a foam that expands rapidly and hardens, blocking the tunnels. 
    • Reports suggest that the IDF has been deploying these weapons since 2021, with soldiers trained to operate in a mock tunnel system near the Gaza border.

    Innovation Amidst Shadows

    But the use of sponge bombs is just one aspect of Israel’s high-tech approach to this subterranean struggle. 
    • The IDF has equipped specialized tunnel reconnaissance units with advanced ground and aerial sensors, ground-penetrating radar, and specialized drilling systems. 
    • These tools help locate and navigate the labyrinth. 
    • Soldiers are also armed with thermal technology to pierce the pitch-black darkness, while throwable drones provide crucial insights and imagery from within the tunnels.
    However, innovation carries its own risks. The liquid emulsion in sponge bombs is volatile, and incidents have reportedly blinded soldiers. 
    • The IDF may need to rely on technological adaptations such as throwbots—robots that relay images back to a controller operating the device from a safe distance.

    Moral Quandaries in the Depths

    This invisible conflict also surfaces profound ethical questions. 
    • Many tunnels are located beneath civilian structures, with exit points in populated areas. 
    • Neutralizing these tunnels without endangering innocent lives poses a significant challenge to the IDF. 
    • Any civilian casualties invite international condemnation, treading a sensitive line between strategic necessity and humanitarian responsibility.
    Despite these complexities, sponge bombs offer Israel a critical advantage in the war against Hamas. By sealing off the tunnels, the IDF can disrupt Hamas’s ability to launch surprise attacks and store weapons. This does not guarantee a swift conflict resolution, though. Infiltrating the tunnels is a perilous task, with Hamas fighters likely ready to defend their subterranean network.
    Ultimately, the use of sponge bombs underscores the multifaceted nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with its blend of innovative tactics, ethical dilemmas, and no clear resolution in sight. 
    But in the shadows beneath Gaza, the war rages on.


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