Merkava main battle tanks moving to Israel-Gaza border

Merkava main battle tanks moving to Israel-Gaza border in preparation for ground operation.
The Merkava is a series of main battle tanks used by the Israel Defense Forces and the backbone of the IDF's Armored Corps. The tank began development in 1970, and its first generation, the Merkava mark I, entered official service in 1979. Four main variants have been deployed.

Hamas is a designated terrorist group backed by Iran and that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007.
Hamas began firing thousands of rockets on Saturday morning, striking targets as far away as Tel Aviv and the outskirts of Jerusalem, which rarely see any direct hits because of Israel's sophisticated Iron Dome missile defense system.
Backed by a barrage of rockets, Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns
The unprecedented attack, which has killed at least 1300 people in Israel, Israel's Army Radio reported Monday. At least 3000 people have been injured, the Israeli Health Ministry said earlier.
More than 100 Israeli civilians, soldiers, and foreign nationals have also been taken hostage by Hamas, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel on Sunday formally declared war on Hamas.
#israel #hamasattack #merkava
The Merkava is a series of main battle tanks used by the Israel Defense Forces and the backbone of the IDF's Armored Corps. The tank began development in 1970, and its first generation, the Merkava mark I, entered official service in 1979. Four main variants have been deployed.
#israel #idf #hamasattack