It was the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Tragically, there were clear warnings about Hamas’ plans before October 7, which were apparently ignored.
More than two weeks before the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, there were clear warnings from military intelligence, according to a media report. The public broadcaster Kan reported that plans by the Islamist Hamas to attack military bases and civilian towns in the border area were known.
Soldiers from the respected elite intelligence unit 8200 described Hamas training to penetrate military facilities in a letter distributed within the Gaza Division on September 19, 2023. They were also warned of Hamas plans to kidnap 200 to 250 Israelis, including women and children. However, the warnings were ignored by superiors. In the Gaza Division, it was assumed that in the worst case scenario, several dozen terrorists could penetrate into Israel at three locations. An Israeli army spokesman said the TV report was being investigated.
“Nobody banged on the table and raised the alarm”
A military correspondent from Kan explained: “The security system at that time was striving to pacify the Gaza Strip by improving the living conditions of the civilian population, providing work permits for Palestinians and lifting restrictions on goods.”
Before October 7, the army relied primarily on the barrier on the border with the Gaza Strip, which also extends deep into the ground. “On October 7, everything collapsed,” said the correspondent. High-ranking members of the Gaza Division apparently reacted with disdain to the intelligence service warnings. “Nobody banged on the table and raised the alarm.”
A soldier who was involved in drafting the document wrote in retrospect of the massacre on October 7: “I would like to cry, scream and curse.”
Resignations after the terrorist attack
The commander of the Gaza Division announced his resignation a week ago. “On October 7, I failed in my life’s work to protect the Gaza border area,” wrote Brigadier General Avi Rosenfeld. The head of military intelligence, Aharon Chaliva, announced his resignation in April.
Israel’s Defense Minister Joav Galant and the head of the domestic intelligence service, Ronen Bar, also took responsibility for the bloody terror attack that left more than 1,200 dead and more than 250 kidnapped. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, has not yet taken personal responsibility. Recently, tensions between Israel’s political and military leadership have risen significantly in the dispute over who is to blame.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
