Scene of Nahal Oz attack
Photo: Zeev Trachtman
IDF investigates Nahal Oz attack
Probe to focus on how Gaza terrorists managed to infiltrate Israel in broad daylight without being detected. Southern Command: Soldiers' quick response prevented large-scale attack
The IDF's investigation into Wednesday's deadly shooting attack at Nahal Oz is focusing on how the terrorists managed to approach the fuel terminal in broad daylight without being spotted by military observation posts positioned nearby.
Deadly Border Attack
(Video) Palestinian gunmen opened fire at border terminal in southern Israel, killing two Israelis; IDF says terror cell set out to abduct soldiers. Ensuing Air Force strike kills three Palestinians in Gaza City
The army will also examine how the gunmen managed to cut through the barbwire fence separating Israel from Gaza, infiltrate Israel, shoot two terminal employees dead and escape back to the Strip.
Officials in the IDF's Southern Command said the forces' quick response prevented a large-scale attack with harsher consequences, such as the kidnapping of Israeli civilians into Gaza, but the army will also check to see whether the soldiers reacted promptly.
The army and the Shin Bet security service identified the terrorists' getaway car after the attack, and an army aircraft struck it as it was traveling in central Gaza.
In general, the IDF has been successful in thwarting terrorists' attempts to infiltrate Israel from Gaza and attack civilian and military targets. On Tuesday forces uncovered a tunnel that was apparently meant to be used by terrorists to cross into Israel without being detected.
"The IDF's activity along the border fence is complex; in many cases we are able to foil the attacks in their planning stage, while others are thwarted near the fence itself," an army official said. "Today mortars were fired from Gaza as a diversion tactic, but when the terrorists were identified we acted quickly and prevented a more severe attack."
