Jerusalem, Feb 28 (UNI) The Israel Defense Forces has released findings of its investigation into the October 7 attack, during which the Hamas movement killed and kidnapped hundreds of Israelis.
One of the investigation's main findings highlights the scale on which the Israeli intelligence failed, as the surprise element and operational collapse on that day were greater than those of the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
"The surprise was total—situational and fundamental—against a strategic deception that lasted years, an operational deception leading up to the attack, and a tactical deception throughout the night before the invasion," the Ynet news portal quoted the investigation report as saying.
According to the report, initially Hamas planned to stage the attack on Jewish holidays in 2022 or later on Passover (early April) in 2023, but then rescheduled to give its elite Nukhba forces more time to prepare.
Moreover, the investigation found that the movement has been systematically preparing for the operation since 2016. The Gaza Strip conflict of 2021 just cemented the perception that Israel is weak and the full "liberation" of the enclave is possible. By July 2023, Hamas had already developed a full complex war plan coordinated with Lebanese movement Hezbollah and Iran and directed at the destruction of Israel.
The report also alleges that Hezbollah did not immediately join the conflict over a disagreement with Hamas that occurred during the July 2023 coordination.
Despite serious mistakes, the investigation cuts short of putting personal blame on anyone, leaving any disciplinary measures in the hands of Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the successor of outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi.
In a separate statement following the report's publication, Halevi said that he bears full responsibility for the events.
"My responsibility is mine. I was the commander of the military on October 7th, and I have my own responsibility. I also carry the weight of all your responsibility—that, too, I see as mine. And when I see any of my subordinates who made mistakes, I see my own share in it as well," he said.
On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, fighters of Palestinian movement Hamas infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took around 250 hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade on Gaza, cutting off water, electricity, fuel, food, and medicine. Gaza's health ministry has reported over 48,350 Palestinian deaths and more than 111,700 injuries since the conflict began.
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