Hamas attack: Questions arise over Israel’s intelligence failure as Egyptian official reveals ignored warnings of a major assault
Israeli intelligence’s inability to anticipate and prepare for a surprise attack comes under scrutiny as the country grapples with a large-scale Hamas offensive, which is the biggest escalation in the last 50 years. An Egyptian intelligence official has disclosed that Israel paid little heed to numerous alerts regarding a substantial impending move by the Gaza-based terrorist organisation.
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The Egyptian official said had spoken repeatedly with the Israelis about “something big.” He went on to claim that Israeli officials were focused on the West Bank and played down the threat from Gaza. “We have warned them an explosion of the situation is coming, and very soon, and it would be big. But they underestimated such warnings,” the official, told The Associated Press, on condition of anonymity.
So far, more than 700 Israelis have been killed in the country’s worst losses since the 1973 Yom Kippur war and over 400 Palestinians killed as Israel continues to bombard Gaza. Moreover, the capture of dozens of Israeli soldiers and civilians — elderly women, children, entire families — by Hamas, has added to the urgency for strong response.
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Palestinians transport a captured Israeli civilian, center, from Kibbutz Kfar Azza into the Gaza Strip on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP File Photo)
In Gaza, Palestinians are under constant surveillance, with drones overhead, extensive border security, and a vigilant military presence. Israeli intelligence agencies typically employ various sources and cyber capabilities to gather information.
However, in the lead-up to the recent unprecedented attack by Hamas, where hundreds of militants breached Israeli borders, Israel’s intelligence apparatus seemingly faltered. This audacious attack has resulted in significant casualties and heightened tensions in the region. Israeli intelligence agencies, known for their past achievements, now face scrutiny over their perceived invincibility.
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As per analysts, the surprise assault against Israel was a meticulously planned offensive that Hamas is capable of keeping up, with a risk of even greater escalation. “It was a huge failure on the Israeli side and a huge achievement for Hamas,” said Kobi Michael, senior researcher at the Tel-Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies (INSS).
“In order to launch such an operation, you have to do a lot of preparation, planning, coordination and you have to have a very meaningful, significant, essential strategic prospect or objective that you are seeking to achieve,” he was quoted as saying AFP.
Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said that this is a “major failure.” “This operation actually proves that the (intelligence) abilities in Gaza were no good.” Not only Amidror, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, also acknowledged the army owes the public an explanation. But he said now is not the time. “First, we fight, then we investigate,” he said.
(With agency inputs)
