Outsmarting Israel's Surveillance
In the face of extensive surveillance, Hamas executed a surprising attack that caught Israel’s security forces off guard. Despite being one of the world’s most advanced intelligence agencies, Israel was taken by surprise. Hamas opted for low-tech methods, avoiding electronic communication and possibly exploiting Israel’s confidence in missile defense. The operation was compartmentalized, limiting knowledge of the entire plan.
Around 1,000 Hamas fighters breached Israel’s advanced border defenses, using various tactics, including paragliders. It’s suggested that Israel lacked high-quality human sources within Hamas leadership. Encrypted technology may have played a role, and Hamas skillfully evaded phone and email interception.
Hamas’s use of underground tunnels, where they stored weapons, contributed to the success of their attack. Instead of tunneling under the fortified underground wall, they emerged suddenly. Hamas’s own intelligence capabilities have grown significantly since seizing Gaza in 2007.
They closely observed the border, ran agents in Israel, and listened to Israeli Defense Forces’ tactical communications, gaining knowledge about Israeli weaponry and troop deployments. Meanwhile, Israel may have been distracted by domestic issues and overconfident due to technological sophistication.
Egypt had reportedly warned Israel about Hamas’s plans, but Israel focused on the West Bank instead of Gaza. This incident highlights the importance of adaptability in intelligence and defense strategies, as well as the complexities of modern warfare.
