Winter brings with it disadvantages for the enemy and advantages for the IDF. Although ground maneuvering in the Gaza Strip will not be convenient, it is possible, because the soil in the area is sandy and absorbs water. The movement capabilities of armored vehicles in the winter are not impaired due to the excellent engineering design of the chassis and the ignition and movement systems. The IDF's navigation capabilities, based on GPS and other systems, are not affected by the weather. On the contrary: rainy or foggy weather, for example, is an advantage for the IDF, which “sees” the battlefield through technological means compared to the enemy, which is in the dark. This is also reflected in the limited ability to direct rockets against soldiers and vehicles. Another negative effect for the enemy is the rain that seeps into homes, ammunition storage sites, and launchers. The rain and humidity impair the quality of life of Hamas operatives and impair the launch means, including the thrust and explosive materials required to operate the rockets and anti-tank weapons.
Other ground attacks, for example using sophisticated mortars such as “Iron Sting” with GPS-guided shells, are an advantage against a “blind” enemy. In the aerial dimension, the IDF and the Air Force, in addition to the precision weaponry based on electro-optical means, have attack weaponry and GPS-oriented defense layers, which are also not affected by the weather and harsh environmental conditions, and therefore do not limit the IDF's defense or attack capabilities, both In terms of time and place. In the north, the weather conditions and the ground conditions are different than in Gaza. Here too, however, there are advantages, because rain and fog conditions greatly limit Hezbollah's massive use of anti-tank missiles, especially the Kornet missile, which “rides” on a laser beam on its way to its target. This beam’s path is blocked by difficult weather conditions.
In conclusion, winter weather is a challenge for soldiers and commanders, but it does not constitute a significant limitation for aerial operations and brings with it advantages for a force such as the IDF, equipped with sophisticated technological means.
Winter brings with it disadvantages for the enemy and advantages for the IDF. Although ground maneuvering in the Gaza Strip will not be convenient, it is possible, because the soil in the area is sandy and absorbs water. The movement capabilities of armored vehicles in the winter are not impaired due to the excellent engineering design of the chassis and the ignition and movement systems. The IDF's navigation capabilities, based on GPS and other systems, are not affected by the weather. On the contrary: rainy or foggy weather, for example, is an advantage for the IDF, which “sees” the battlefield through technological means compared to the enemy, which is in the dark. This is also reflected in the limited ability to direct rockets against soldiers and vehicles. Another negative effect for the enemy is the rain that seeps into homes, ammunition storage sites, and launchers. The rain and humidity impair the quality of life of Hamas operatives and impair the launch means, including the thrust and explosive materials required to operate the rockets and anti-tank weapons.
Other ground attacks, for example using sophisticated mortars such as “Iron Sting” with GPS-guided shells, are an advantage against a “blind” enemy. In the aerial dimension, the IDF and the Air Force, in addition to the precision weaponry based on electro-optical means, have attack weaponry and GPS-oriented defense layers, which are also not affected by the weather and harsh environmental conditions, and therefore do not limit the IDF's defense or attack capabilities, both In terms of time and place. In the north, the weather conditions and the ground conditions are different than in Gaza. Here too, however, there are advantages, because rain and fog conditions greatly limit Hezbollah's massive use of anti-tank missiles, especially the Kornet missile, which “rides” on a laser beam on its way to its target. This beam’s path is blocked by difficult weather conditions.
In conclusion, winter weather is a challenge for soldiers and commanders, but it does not constitute a significant limitation for aerial operations and brings with it advantages for a force such as the IDF, equipped with sophisticated technological means.