Israeli Navy Builds Multilayered ‘Iron Wall’ Along Gaza Coast

The Israeli Navy has built a multilayered coastal-defense system along the Gaza border, combining upgraded Shaldag patrol boats, ship-launched drones, joint intelligence and sea-air-land surveillance. Navy commander Rear Adm. Eyal Harel accelerated changes begun by former commander Vice Adm. David Salama after investigations into the October 7 attack. Officers said Hamas is trying to rebuild maritime capabilities with rowboats and paddles, while the Navy, Shin Bet and Military Intelligence are working to degrade Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operations. A new quad-bike unit also provides a land-side backstop against beach infiltration.