What weapons do Israel and Hamas each have? Everything we know

globalnews.ca:

An Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip would further escalate the conflict raging since Hamas launched its unprecedented attack, killing hundreds of civilians.

A ground invasion also would threaten to draw in the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah from the north. The United States has deployed one aircraft carrier group to the region, with another on the way later this week — reflecting concerns of a widening conflict and meant to establish a force that deters Iran and others.

It would be the the third major ground assault in Gaza since Israel left the seaside enclave in 2005.

Here’s what is known about the weapons of those who would be involved.

Israel’s military has long been supported by the United States, with US$3.3 billion in congressionally mandated annual funding, plus another US$500 million toward missile defence technology.

Israel is one of the best-armed nations in the wider Middle East. Its air force includes the advanced American F-35 fighter jet, missile defence batteries including the American-made Patriot, and the Iron Dome missile defence system.

Israel has armored personnel carriers and tanks, and a fleet of drones and other technology available to support any street-to-street battles. Israel trains soldiers on such techniques at its Urban Warfare Training Center, known colloquially as “Mini Gaza.”

Israel has some 170,000 troops typically on active duty and has called up some 360,000 reservists for the war — three-fourths of its estimated capacity, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Israel has also long maintained an undeclared nuclear weapons program.

Hamas, the rulers of the Gaza Strip since 2007, do not have the billions of dollars in aid and advanced