The IDF observation balloon that was shot down in the Gaza Strip - apparently tore and flew due to poor maintenance

Preliminary investigation revealed that the balloon flew due to "fatigue of the cable material".

The fallen vessel was taken by Hamas members into the Gaza Strip but there is no fear of significant information leakage.

However, military officials have criticized the conduct and maintenance of the balloon launch system in the sector.

"It could have been avoided with regular proper review"

Amir Bohbot

18/06/2022

Saturday, 18 June 2022, 13:31 Updated: 13:37

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Palestinians lift an IDF observation balloon that fell in the Gaza Strip and was taken by Hamas (documentation on social networks according to section 27A of the Copyright Law)

The IDF began investigating today (Saturday) the initial fall of the IDF observation balloon inside the Gaza Strip.

The balloon that fell yesterday was taken by Hamas members, but there is no fear of significant information leaking.

However, military officials have criticized the conduct and maintenance of the balloon launch system in the sector - after an initial inspection revealed that the balloon had probably fallen due to poor maintenance.

"The balloon apparently tore and flew due to fatigue of the cable material," Gaza officials said.

"This incident could have been prevented with regular proper criticism. Because there is no high discipline and no criticism according to the book as in the Air Force, then there is a glitch and the IDF is dragged into responses that put the whole area under pressure."

"Fell apparently due to poor maintenance."

The balloon dropped (Photo: screenshot, without)

After the balloon fell yesterday in the Gaza Strip, soldiers fired a firing squad and a warning was activated in the area.

The IDF also considered the possibility of introducing a motorized force towards the area to collect the vessel, but the possibility quickly fell off, as the balloon fell deep into Palestinian territory. Following the incident, the IDF decided to lower all observation balloons located along the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, a rocket was launched tonight from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory - which set off alarms in Ashkelon and the Gaza Strip.

Iron Dome intercepted the launch and later the IDF attacked three Hamas observation posts. One of them - only slightly damaged

More on Walla!

An IDF observation balloon was shot down in the Gaza Strip - and taken by Hamas

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• Gaza Strip

• Hamas

• Observation balloons