7.1.2021 1/4 Publications The Joint Military Exercise in the Gaza Strip: Ostensible Strength in a Response to Weakness Abducting soldiers, attacking IDF positions, and operating drones: the recent large military exercise in the Gaza Strip might seem intended as a threatening message to Israel, but in fact it addresses first and foremost Palestinian and Arab audiences. What did Hamas want to achieve by the exercise – and what implications are there for Israel? עברית Listen to this Kobi Michael, Yohanan Tzoreff INSS Insight No. 1420, January 7, 2021 On December 28, 2020 a joint military exercise of the armed resistance organizations in the Gaza Strip was held. Led by Hamas, participants included 13 other organizations, including Islamic Jihad and groups of former Fatah members. In the large-scale exercise, rockets were launched toward the sea, attacks occurred on simulated IDF positions and included abductions of soldiers, and drones and other technologies were displayed. The exercise took place against the backdrop of a severe crisis in Gaza caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the failure of the reconciliation efforts with the Palestinian Authority, Arab countries seemingly sidelining the Palestinian issue, and concerns of another military conflict with Israel. In addition, the exercise occurred close to the anniversary of the killing of Qasem Soleimani. Hamas and the other participants sought to send a deterrent message to Israel, even though they are not interested in a conflict, and to demonstrate to the Palestinian public, which has been critical of them, that the resistance is alive and well, and growing stronger. On December 28, 2020, a military exercise was held in the Gaza Strip. It was the largest in scope since Hamas took over Gaza, and unprecedented in that it took place with the cooperation among the organizations active in the area. The exercise, which received extensive coverage in the Palestinian and Arab media and social networks, involved the participation of the military units of 13 Palestinian organizations, including groups of former Fatah members and even organizations with very little military force. Hamas and Islamic Jihad boasted the most significant military contributions. Naval forces, air forces, and rocket and other Hamas units took part in the exercise, which Hamas directed from a joint war room with the other organizations. Media reports and commentaries magnified the capabilities demonstrated by the participating organizations and the intensified buildup by the Hamas-led Palestinian resistance. The exercise took place against the background of a deep internal and external Palestinian crisis. On the one hand, Israel threatens, carries out exercises near Gaza, and warns against increasing the tension in the area. Efforts to reach an arrangement with Israel, mediated by Egypt, have not progressed, and Cairo blames Hamas for their failure. On the other hand, the reconciliation efforts between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have stalled after the PA chose to renew the security and civil coordination with Israel and accept the tax monies