The IDF developed and briefly deployed a classified capability aimed at securing the release of hostages during the war, with plans to transfer those rescued to a concealed location inside Israel, but the effort ultimately failed and the method was abandoned, according to a report aired on Channel 12 News.

During the course of the fighting, the military activated a sensitive and previously undisclosed tool that enabled forces to draw terrorists out from tunnels in Gaza. Defense officials hoped the tactic would create an opportunity to extract hostages safely and move them to a secure, undisclosed site within Israel.

The broader plan envisioned holding the rescued captives at that secret location for several days. During that window, Israel intended to launch an additional operation to free other hostages still being held.

However, the initial mission did not succeed in securing the hostages through this approach. Following the failed attempt, Israel discontinued use of the method and did not return to it for the remainder of the war, the report said.