IDF Forces Prevented Hamas Terrorists from Reaching Central Israel on Oct. 7
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hamas terrorists seized Highway 232 on Oct. 7, blocking IDF forces.
- Fighters battled terrorists at "Black Arrow" and Mefalsim Junction.
- Hundreds fleeing Nova festival were caught in ambushes.
- IDF forces eventually regained control of the highway.
- Heavy casualties were sustained by Israeli forces.
A special report by Channel 13 News, utilizing combat footage and radio communications, details the fierce battles at the "Black Arrow" site and Mefalsim Junction on October 7th. Dozens of Hamas Nukhba terrorists seized control of Highway 232, a critical artery in the Gaza envelope, and established ambushes. They fired on vehicles fleeing the Nova music festival and obstructed IDF reinforcement forces attempting to reach combat zones.
The terrorists aimed to establish a control point to advance towards nearby communities and block Israeli forces. Hundreds of festival-goers fleeing the Nova massacre were caught in the ambushes along the highway, making travel extremely dangerous. The report highlights how the opening of Highway 232 became crucial for enabling forces to penetrate deeper into the Gaza envelope.
During the initial hours, regular IDF forces, local security officers, and other units confronted the terrorists who arrived in waves on motorcycles and in ammunition-laden trucks. Radio transmissions reveal the intense fighting, including the actions of Major Shilo Har Even, who fell in battle with 16 of his soldiers out of 40 at his post, and Sergeant First Class Roi Barakat. Sergeant Yael Leibovitz, a lookout, continued to report on the events from the command center amidst the ongoing battle.
The heavy human cost is evident, with the loss of other commanders and fighters, including Deputy Commander of the Shin Bet's Operational Unit Yossi Tahar and Nahal Company Commander Major Tal Grushka. As the hours passed, the battle shifted from defense to offense. Elite units, Shin Bet operatives, armored forces, and civilian emergency squads engaged the terrorist cells. Dozens of terrorists were eliminated, and control of the main routes was gradually regained by security forces. At the "Black Arrow" and Mefalsim area, soldiers successfully dismantled the ambush blocking Highway 232, reopening the road for troop movement.
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