A source close to Hamas told the agency: ReutersIt was revealed that the terrorist group had waged a years-long campaign to make Israel think that the group did not want armed conflict and could be appeased with economic incentives to maintain relative calm.
“Hamas gave Israel the impression that it is not ready to fight,” the source told the agency. “Hamas has used unprecedented intelligence tactics to mislead Israel in recent months, giving the public the impression that it does not want to engage in a fight or conflict with Israel as it prepares for this major operation.”
The source said the terrorist organization was building a simulated Israeli community for training purposes as part of its preparations. “Israel, of course, saw them, but they were convinced that Hamas was not interested in the conflict,” the agency’s interlocutor added.
“Hamas has managed to create the impression that it is not ready for a military adventure against Israel,” the source said.
Former national security advisor Yaakov Amidror stated that some countries allied with the Jewish state also believe the lie, and said that Hamas showed “great responsibility” for Jerusalem.
“We foolishly came to believe that this was true,” Amidror said.
“So we made a mistake. The Israeli representative concluded his words as follows: We will not repeat this mistake again and we will destroy Hamas slowly but surely.”
7 October Hamas forces launched Several thousand rockets were launched into Israel and the launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was announced. Against this background, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on October 7 entry state of emergency in the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announcedthat the country is at war. The IDF’s operation against Hamas was called “Iron Swords”.
Formerly with Israel Police guess duration of conflict escalation.