IDF probe finds Gaza terrorist was armed with counter-surveillance gear

Army investigating how Abu Nasser broke through Gaza fence and penetrated into Israel

Ilan Ben Zion is an AFP reporter and a former news editor at The Times of Israel.

A masked fighter from Islamic Jihad's military wing takes part in a military drill in the southern Gaza Strip in May 2012. (photo credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
A masked fighter from Islamic Jihad's military wing takes part in a military drill in the southern Gaza Strip in May 2012. (photo credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)

The terrorist who infiltrated Israel and killed Staff Sgt. Netanel Moshiashvili on Friday may have been equipped with sophisticated personal camouflage equipment capable of foiling IDF surveillance, Channel 10 reported Friday evening.

The IDF’s Southern Command launched an investigation into the incident in which Ahmed Abu Nasser, an apparent lone wolf attacker, penetrated the border fence and shot a Golani soldier before being killed.

Photograph of Ahmed Abu Nasser, 23, who broke into Israel early on Friday and killed Staff Sgt. Netanel Moshiashvili before being shot dead. (photo credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash 90)
Photograph of Ahmed Abu Nasser, 23, who broke into Israel early on Friday and killed Staff Sgt. Netanel Moshiashvili before being shot dead. (photo credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash 90)

The army investigated whether the surveillance units in that sector failed to notify combat forces about his presence, or whether the advanced equipment the terrorist carried allowed him to approach the fence undetected.

The IDF did not specify precisely what gear Abu Nasser had.

The attacker cut the Gaza border fence around 4 a.m. and penetrated 100 meters into Israel, near Kibbutz Nirim, before a Golani squad engaged him.

Army officials dismissed claims that the attack aimed to abduct an Israeli soldier. Officials also said that Islamic Jihad headquarters appeared unaware of his actions. The terrorist had no supporting force, or diversionary fire, nor did IDF forces find any tunnels in the area.

Army officials said they do not anticipate an escalation of hostilities along the Gaza border in the wake of the attack.

 

Most Popular
read more: