Following the deadly Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, an Israeli military investigation revealed significant failures within the army to foresee and thwart the assault. The inquiry labeled this a “complete failure” as it acknowledged that the attack involved precise coordination and years of planning.
On that tragic day, 1,139 people lost their lives, and approximately 250 were taken captive. The report highlights a history of misconceptions regarding Hamas, showing that the military underestimated the group’s intentions and capabilities. Senior officers believed Hamas posed little danger and focused primarily on governing Gaza. They also thought Hamas’s extensive tunnel networks had been largely dismantled and that any cross-border threats could easily be countered by Israel’s advanced separation barrier.
Even as unusual activity by Hamas fighters was reported before the attack, Israeli officials insisted the group was engaged in drills rather than preparing for a large-scale invasion. They misjudged the intentions of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, thinking he had no interest in a broader conflict.
In the hours leading up to the assault, commanders were warned about suspicious behaviors along the border. Spotters noted increased activity, and the activation of several SIM cards believed to be with Hamas fighters was reported. However, these warnings were downplayed as mere signs of a military exercise.
Insights from the report suggest that Hamas had considered the October attack as early as 2016, but Israeli intelligence dismissed these concerns. They assumed Hamas would not act aggressively after deadly confrontations in May 2021 when Israel’s military response resulted in heavy casualties in Gaza. Yet by early 2022, Hamas had begun preparations for the October assault, and by September 2023, they were close to full readiness.
On the day of the attack, the Israeli army was caught off guard. Deployment of troops was significantly delayed. In one kibbutz, Nir Oz, it was reported that Palestinian fighters left long before any Israeli soldiers arrived. Estimates regarding the number of Hamas fighters involved were grossly underestimated. In reality, about 5,600 fighters crossed into Israel in waves, supported by thousands of rockets and drones.
The Israeli Gaza Division, consisting of only around 700 soldiers, was quickly overwhelmed during the initial stages. While their response was slow, reinforcements finally began to arrive around noon. Meanwhile, the Israeli air force struggled to differentiate between enemy fighters and civilians, resulting in friendly fire incidents.
Reports also suggest that during the chaos, the military implemented the controversial “Hannibal Directive.” This order allows for the use of extreme measures to prevent Israeli soldiers from being captured, even at the expense of civilian lives. Some pilots were hesitant to act on these orders due to concerns about civilian casualties, yet investigations revealed that many civilians were killed as a result. Notably, one victim, Efrat Katz, died during a helicopter assault while being taken to Gaza by Hamas, and a tank attack resulted in civilian deaths, including children.
In summary, the investigation points to a range of serious failures prior to and during the attack, marked by missed warnings, poor troop readiness, and inadequate communication. The Israeli government has yet to undergo a similar investigation to assess its role before and during this tragic event.
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Source linkNews, Benjamin Netanyahu, Investigation, Israel-Palestine conflict, Israel, Middle East
