How Israel was caught off guard by Hamas in Al-Aqsa Storm

Omri Maniu, a reporter for Israel’s Channel 12, disclosed that the foreign intelligence service (Mossad) informed Israeli officials only two weeks before the October 7 operation (Al-Aqsa Storm) that Hamas had no interest in military tension or confrontation with Israel.

The document, titled “Intensifying Pressure on the People of Gaza: A Calculated Policy by Hamas Leaders to Increase Civilian Exchanges” and sent to Israeli authorities, explicitly states that Hamas leadership in Gaza currently had no interest in military confrontation with Israel.

It also notes that the commander of Hamas’ military wing was cautious about making direct accusations against Israel that could provoke a military response, but remained on full alert to counter any potential Israeli actions.

This document, which again highlights Israel’s intelligence failure during the Al-Aqsa Storm operation, clearly states that Hamas’ overall interest at the time was to prevent escalation and further military confrontation with Israel.

However, the document emphasizes that Hamas was seeking a civilian agreement with Israel at that time and was not seeking military conflict.

The document emerges as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted last month in an interview with Newsmax that on October 7, 2023, Israel suffered significant failures and major intelligence errors at the hands of Hamas.