The sources said any Israeli invasion would be met by heavy Hamas
missile and rocket attacks on a range of cities in the Jewish state. They
said Hamas and its Palestinian militia allies were equipped to attack such
major Israeli cities as Ashdod, Ashkelon and Beersheba. Ashdod and Ashkelon
contain a range of strategic facilities.
"We believe they have amassed thousands of missiles and rockets to
ensure attacks for at least a month," the officer said. "The methods of
rocket fire would probably be similar to those used by Hizbullah."
At this point, the sources said, Hamas was believed to have rockets with
a range of at least 30 kilometers. They said the rockets include
military-standard Katyusha-class weapons, capable of striking military and
civilian targets.
The sources said Hamas has organized a military of eight combat
brigades, or 20,000 trained combatants. The military, which also includes
the Executive Force, has been deployed along the border with Israel, in the
middle of the Gaza Strip and along the Mediterranean coast.
In preparation for an Israeli invasion, Hamas has also constructed a
network of tunnels throughout the Gaza Strip. The tunnels were said to be
linked by a 50-kilometer underground passage that would enable Hamas units
to seek protection from Israel Air Force air strikes.
The sources said Hamas would acquire missiles with a range of 40
kilometers in early 2009. They said Hamas was seeking to procure missiles
and rockets from Iran with ranges of up to 70 kilometers.
"This would enable Hamas to strike Tel Aviv, regarded by Iran and Hamas
as a strategic goal," a military source said.
