Provided by Hamas, this Go-Pro style footage shows a pair of sappers attacking an Israeli tank and APC at extremely close range, sneaking mere feet from IDF personnel to carry out the attack.

As loath as I am to give these guys any credit whatsoever- after all, they're much better known for ambushing women and children than tanks- I have to admit that this attack requires some major testicular fortitude. A Hamas sapper pops up out of a tunnel with a shaped charge, feet away from parked Israeli armor. It's unclear whether this is by luck or specific design, but it's hard to argue that Israeli complacency isn't partly to blame as the sapper sneaks behind an APC and plants a shaped charge. No IDF appear to be pulling security except for one guy on the other side of the vehicle, and he is looking in the opposite direction. This lack of security allows one of the sapper's partners to ready a shoulder-fired anti-tank missile in plain view with no cover.

If the IDF soldier survives, he's likely going to regret looking the wrong way for the rest of his life, but the truth is this: he was set up for failure by being the only person on watch. It's unclear what the other sapper was doing during this incident, but the footage shows both retreating to the tunnel unscathed while the rocket man provides cover with a 105-millimeter al-Yassin anti-tank weapon. They then retreat down the tunnel.

This is as much an example of the dangers of complacency as it is an example of the tenacity of the enemy Israel is dealing with.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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