Two of the most terrifying prospects for a soldier are fighting in a chemically-contaminated environment and fighting underground. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) now faces both.

It is no secret that Hamas terrorists have a huge network of tunnels under Gaza, some so small one has to squeeze through them, some reportedly large enough to drive trucks down. The revelation this week that Hamas also likely possesses chemical weapons in the form of a cyanide dispersion device, and other toxic chemicals, makes the prospect of fighting underground in these environments even more daunting.

The tank raids we have seen overnight are preparing the ground for the upcoming offensive and the fight underground to save hostages. Working alongside the special forces, these are to identify vital ground and terrorist locations. Uniquely the Israeli Merkava tanks can carry four special forces soldiers in the back, so this raid was likely to take out key locations and anti-tank positions; it’s what us soldiers call ‘recce by force’. Because of the IDF’s superior night vision equipment, I expect they can operate far more effectively in the dark than Hamas. I imagine scoping out the entrances to tunnels was a priority.