A coordinated maritime assault launched by Hamas naval commandos on October 7 aimed to detonate critical off-shore gas infrastructure and strategic coastal facilities, according to details disclosed by Brigadier General (res.) Oren Solomon. Solomon, who headed the Gaza Division's investigation team into the October 7 attacks, outlined how naval forces intercepted an unmanned explosive-laden submersible that could have caused catastrophic damage to the city of Ashkelon.
The maritime operation commenced at approximately 6:30 AM on October 7, when seven fast commando vessels carrying roughly 45 Hamas terrorists departed from the Gaza coastline.
Assigned targets included an Israeli offshore gas platform, facilities belonging to the Europe Asia Pipeline Company, and a coastal landing at Zikim Beach. During the initial wave, terrorists on one vessel managed to reach Zikim Beach, where they murdered civilians who had taken shelter in a public bomb shelter and restroom facilities.
The Israeli Navy's 916th Patrol Squadron alongside the Snapir naval unit engaged the incoming vessels, sinking or neutralizing most of the attack craft using gunfire and depth charges.
In the afternoon hours of October 7, Hamas initiated a second phase by launching an unmanned, explosive-laden submersible directed specifically at offshore gas infrastructure. The Israeli Navy detected the incoming underwater threat and intercepted it before it could strike the platform.
Brigadier General Solomon emphasized the potential scale of destruction had the unmanned vessel successfully detonated against the active gas platform.
"Had that submersible struck the gas platform, half of Ashkelon could have been vaporized. It was a great miracle," Solomon stated during his interview detailing the investigation findings.
Solomon added that a successful strike by naval commandos on an active platform would have resulted in "an enormous disaster" for the coastal population of 174,946 residents.
While land and air infiltrations dominated initial accounts of the war, investigative findings confirm that the naval domain represented a primary operational axis for Hamas terrorists on October 7.
In his review of the events, Solomon also expressed criticism regarding aspects of internal military inquiries, citing concerns over how higher command accountability and naval performance metrics were evaluated following the engagements.
According to statements provided to Arutz Sheva, military analysts continue to evaluate coastal defense protocols to ensure strategic infrastructure remains fully protected against future unmanned maritime threats.
