Report Reveals: Hamas Disabled Merkava Tanks via Secret Button in October 7 Attack

SadaNews: The Israeli army radio reported that new details were revealed for the first time regarding the October 7 attack, where elements of Hamas managed to disable Merkava 4 tanks in the Gaza Envelope, rendering them inoperable, after discovering a "secret button" inside the tank that temporarily disables it.

According to the report, the mystery persisted for months: how did Hamas acquire this precise knowledge? In early 2024, Israeli army forces found evidence revealing the secret within a central tunnel in the central camps.

Investigations showed that Hamas gathered sensitive intelligence about Merkava tanks over many years by monitoring the social media accounts of tens of thousands of soldiers. Through images and videos that appeared to be ordinary from armored corps bases and training centers, the movement was able to piece together "puzzle pieces" and obtain valuable data.

Based on this information, Hamas developed a comprehensive training program, preparing an elite force of operatives to be able to operate the tanks. The training included full-scale models of Merkava tanks, in addition to an advanced simulation program for teaching how to operate them, enabling the movement to exploit this knowledge in its attack.