Navy rebuilds Gaza coastal defense into 'Iron Wall' after October 7 failures

Israel’s Navy has rebuilt Gaza’s coastal defense into a multi-layer “Iron Wall” after major gaps highlighted by investigations into the Oct. 7 massacre, according to reporting in the story. It describes upgraded fast patrol boats, integrated drone surveillance, and a “zero-tolerance” engagement policy to stop future sea-based infiltrations. The article says Hamas has tried to reconstitute naval capability using low-tech methods such as basic rowboats and paddles. Navy leadership credited Vice Admiral David Salama and then Rear Admiral Eyal Harel with accelerating operational changes. It also recounts how seven boats were launched at 6:29 a.m. on Oct. 7, with five struck and 20 terrorists killed, while two reached shore.