A meticulously orchestrated campaign of deceit left Israel unprepared for the devastating assault launched by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, according to sources close to the situation. The attack, which involved unconventional methods such as bulldozers, hang gliders, and motorbikes, caught Israel off guard and marked the most significant breach in its defenses since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. This article presents an account of Hamas's strategy and subterfuge over two years, which included concealing military plans and convincing Israel that it sought no conflict.
Hamas went to great lengths to mislead Israel about its intentions. It projected an image of not being ready for confrontation while secretly preparing for a large-scale operation. Even though Israel saw signs of Hamas military training in plain sight, the group successfully convinced Israel that it had no desire for war. The restraint exhibited by Hamas drew criticism from some of its supporters, reinforcing the notion that the group was primarily concerned with economic matters.
Hamas went to great lengths to avoid leaks and compartmentalized information to maintain secrecy. Many Hamas leaders were unaware of the plans, and even the fighters involved in the assault were kept in the dark about the exact purpose of their exercises. The operation unfolded in four phases: rocket barrages from Gaza, incursions by fighters using unconventional methods, securing terrain, and storming fortified barriers. The assault included hostage-taking incidents near Gaza's borders.
Israel's lack of readiness stemmed from factors such as distractions caused by violence in the West Bank and a belief that Hamas was focusing on governance rather than confrontation. This vulnerability allowed Hamas to exploit the situation. While the assault represented a significant failure for Israel's intelligence and military apparatus, Israeli officials vowed to respond decisively.
Former Middle East negotiator Dennis Ross described the attack as a "huge failure" on Israel's part, while retired General Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser, attributed it to a mistaken belief that Hamas had become more responsible. Israel now plans to address the situation by systematically dealing with Hamas.
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