A few months after the outbreak of the war, a secret logistical operation was launched, which has now been revealed for the first time. The mission: to supply units in southern Gaza – equipment and weaponry to be transferred ‘through the back door,’ effectively enabling the continuation of the maneuver. To bypass the limitations and complications on the way to the Strip, the forces used an indirect route – one that crosses the waves, and then secretly leads to the shore.
“In those days, the maneuvering forces were working to subdue one of Hamas’s brigades,” recalls Major G., commander of a reconnaissance unit in Flotilla 921 – the landing craft flotilla of the Naval Arm. “We were called to land for them vehicles carrying ammunition, medical equipment, weapons, and fuel to complete the mission.”
The complexity of logistical operations, which the reconnaissance unit commander speaks of, was keenly felt throughout the war. “We understood that we needed to complete this large reinforcement chain – in a significantly shorter time than usual,” describes Major R., Head of Multidimensional Supply at the Logistics Corps.
This is precisely where landing craft come into play, which joined the Arm’s service about two years ago, and the maritime axis they open alongside the ground response. These are the largest vessels – 95 meters long and 20 meters wide, weighing over 2,500 tons. According to these impressive figures, very large quantities of equipment can be loaded onto them – which sometimes saves the number of rounds needed to supply forces in the field, while reducing the risk to human life.
This new maritime direction was utilized in the operation in question at the beginning of ’24, translated into a bold combined operation of all the Arms. “When we docked at the shore in southern Gaza, ground forces were in the midst of exchanges of fire with terrorists,” notes Major G., “Three anti-tank squads engaged us. With the help of the Air Force, we closed in on them, managed to unload all the equipment from the landing craft’s hold, and returned safely to Ashdod Port.”
Flotilla 921 is comprised of two landing craft: INS Nachshon and INS Komemiyut, manufactured in the USA. “The first of them arrived in September ’23, and the second in the midst of the war. Each of them underwent a training and operational process while maneuvering in the Strip,” says Major G.
Each landing craft is crewed by dozens of regular personnel. “The primary mission of Flotilla 921 is to provide logistical support – and especially in the operation in southern Gaza, this capability was put to the test,” states Major G., “Beyond this mission, we have additional assets – which cannot yet be discussed.”
The two commanders emphasize that the ‘maritime dimension’ serves as an important bridge, connecting the rear to the depth. “The logistical axis is the main artery of the maneuver, and when it is exposed or vulnerable, it directly impacts operational capability at the front,” clarifies the Head of Supply. The reconnaissance unit commander immediately adds: “The advantage of arriving from the sea is that the route becomes more covert, less predictable, and most importantly – direct.”
Indeed, the journey that equipment takes on a landing craft is much shorter and simpler than that of a ground convoy: it could encounter mines, engage the enemy, or face damaged roads, and even endanger the lives of combatants involved in transferring or securing the convoy. “This has significant value,” declares Major G., “We transport all the supplies, unload – and disappear back into the sea, with the same speed at which we arrived.”