Hamas spent over two years preparing a large-scale attack on Israel, culminating in the surprise October 7, 2023 assault. Newly uncovered documents reveal that the operation, called “The Big Project,” was initially intended to take place in 2022. However, Hamas delayed the plan as it sought support from regional allies Iran and Hezbollah. In the meantime, Hamas leaders focused on avoiding major confrontations with Israel to maintain the appearance of calm, thereby maximizing the attack’s shock effect when executed.
In early 2023, a Hamas representative met with Mohammed Said Izadi, a senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Izadi conveyed Iran’s support but required additional time for preparations. Hamas’s documents also reveal plans to engage Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in further discussions about coordinated actions, though it’s unclear if this meeting ultimately occurred. Recognizing that their allies might not be ready in time, Hamas prepared to proceed independently if needed, motivated by a sense of urgency over Israel’s advancements in air defense technology.
Hamas selected October 7 for the assault, coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, to take advantage of heightened vulnerability. The group aimed to simultaneously strike military, intelligence, and civilian sites, disrupting Israel’s operations and capturing global attention. Its motivations also included opposition to Israel’s increased presence in the West Bank and Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. The attack, marked by its unexpected nature and scale, sought to demonstrate Hamas’s capabilities and determination to influence Israeli-Palestinian dynamics.
Following the assault, regional tensions escalated as Iran and Hezbollah, who initially provided limited support, became more involved after Israel launched countermeasures. The incident has stoked fears of a broader conflict, as neighboring countries monitor the situation closely. Israel’s response has highlighted vulnerabilities within its security infrastructure, prompting renewed calls for advanced intelligence and defense strategies to prevent similar breaches in the future.
The attack also brought to light Hamas’s strategic opposition to Israel’s efforts to normalize relations with countries like Saudi Arabia, complicating diplomatic discussions aimed at regional cooperation. These recent developments have had profound implications for Israel’s internal politics, as security approaches and peace strategies face renewed scrutiny. The evolving alliances and shifting dynamics underscore the complex challenges that lie ahead in maintaining stability in the Middle East, while international stakeholders push for de-escalation and dialogue.
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