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Hamas Planned October 7th Attack for Months, Ignored Warnings

Jerusalem, January 26th, 2026 - New revelations from Israeli officials paint a disturbing picture of the lead-up to the October 7th massacre, indicating that Hamas meticulously planned the attack for months, actively disregarding repeated warnings from Israeli intelligence agencies. The unprecedented assault, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and thousands of injuries, was reportedly shrouded in secrecy and backed by Hamas's leadership in Gaza, with suspected assistance from elements operating out of Lebanon.

The details, revealed on Monday, stem from interrogations of captured Hamas operatives and intercepted communications, providing a granular view of the operational planning that defied Israeli intelligence predictions. While Israeli agencies had received intelligence suggesting potential attacks emanating from Gaza, the sheer scale, complexity, and meticulous planning of the October 7th assault were unanticipated. A senior Israeli official, speaking anonymously, stated, "They planned it for months, and they ignored all of our warnings. They simply did not believe we would retaliate in this way."

A Deeply Secret Operation

The core of the operation's success appears to lie in its extreme operational security. Hamas leadership, acutely aware of the potential for Israeli intelligence to uncover their plans, issued explicit directives that the attack's details be compartmentalized. Even within Hamas itself, only a select few were privy to the full scope and execution strategy. This meticulous control minimized the risk of leaks and prevented Israeli intelligence from piecing together the full picture. The planning extended to highly specific details, including pre-determined attack routes targeting Israeli communities and military bases, with clearly defined roles for each operative involved.

"This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision," explained the official. "This was a well-structured, highly coordinated plan that demonstrated a significant level of preparation and commitment from Hamas leadership."

Intelligence Failure and Ongoing Investigation

Israel's ongoing military operation in Gaza is not only aimed at dismantling Hamas's infrastructure and capabilities but also at understanding how such a significant security breach occurred. How did Hamas manage to execute such a large-scale operation under the noses of one of the world's most sophisticated intelligence agencies? This question is driving a thorough internal review within Israeli intelligence services.

The failures aren't necessarily attributed to a lack of intelligence; rather, it seems the intelligence received was misinterpreted or underestimated. Analysts are now scrutinizing how threat assessments were formulated and whether existing protocols adequately accounted for the possibility of such a coordinated and secretive operation. The compartmentalization within Hamas, intentionally designed to deceive, likely contributed to the difficulty in connecting the dots.

Potential Lebanese Involvement

The involvement of elements from Lebanon adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. While details remain scarce, Israeli officials believe that individuals in Lebanon may have provided logistical support or training to Hamas operatives involved in the planning and execution of the October 7th attack. This suggests a broader network of actors potentially supporting Hamas's agenda and highlights the need for increased vigilance along Israel's northern border.

Looking Ahead

The revelations surrounding the planning of the October 7th massacre underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of Israeli intelligence strategies and security protocols. While the immediate focus remains on the ongoing military operation in Gaza, the long-term implications of this intelligence failure will undoubtedly shape Israel's approach to national security for years to come. The deliberate deception employed by Hamas serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of asymmetrical warfare and the challenges of maintaining a strategic advantage in a volatile regional landscape. Further investigations are expected to yield more information regarding the scope of Hamas's planning and the extent of external support it received.


Read the Full The Jerusalem Post Blogs Article at:
[ https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-884591 ]