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The Iron Dome system has been protecting Israel since 2011 when it was first deployed to counter the rocket attacks from Hezbollah during the Lebanon war. Since then, the system has claimed to have a success rate of 90 percent and has intercepted over 2,000 rockets.. Hamas has been developing its rocket arsenal, increasing its range and accuracy.
The ground invasion caught Israel off guard, as Hamas had not anticipated such a bold and well-planned move. The attack resembled the 1973 Yom Kippur War when Israel was surprised by Syrian and Egyptian forces on two fronts. “It looks quite similar to what happened at that time,” said retired General Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel’s National Security Council2.
Israel had tried to maintain stability in Gaza by offering Gazans economic incentives and work permits while keeping a tight blockade and the constant threat of airstrikes. But Hamas had used this relative calm to prepare for its massive assault, exploiting Israel’s complacency and overconfidence.