The thunderous roar of Hamas rockets, once a terrifying staple of life in central Israel, has dwindled to a whimper.
After ten grueling months of conflict, the terror organization's fearsome arsenal lies in ruins, with Israeli defense sources estimating a staggering 90% depletion of their pre-war stockpile.
In a display of desperation, Hamas recently released propaganda footage that backfired spectacularly. The video, intended to showcase strength, instead revealed militants huddled in makeshift tents, cobbling together ramshackle launchers from planks. The resulting launches fizzled pathetically, with rockets splashing harmlessly into the sea or falling short within Gaza's borders.
Tuesday's attempt to strike at the heart of Israel from Khan Yunis - the first in two long months - ended in humiliating failure. The IDF's swift retaliatory strikes served as a stark reminder of the shifting balance of power.
The once-defiant voices of Hamas leadership have been silenced one by one, leaving only the elusive Yahya Sinwar to rally a battered and demoralized force. Even the shocking eliminations of Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh failed to provoke more than a feeble response, laying bare the extent of Hamas's fall from power.
Yet, amidst the rubble of its ambitions, Hamas clings to a shadow of its former might. Israeli security experts warn that the wounded organization, though gravely weakened, retains a venomous sting - however diminished - that demands continued vigilance.
* Channel 12 contributed to this article.