- Israel’s military released a report on its failures leading up to and during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, citing underestimation of Hamas’ capabilities and misjudgment of the group’s intentions. The attack killed 1,200 Israelis and triggered Israel’s military response in Gaza.
- The investigation highlights major intelligence failures, including dismissed warnings of a large-scale Hamas attack and a culture of complacency within Israel’s security establishment.
- The report’s findings intensify pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu, with calls for an independent investigation and reforms in intelligence gathering, threat assessment and emergency response protocols.
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Israel’s military has released its first official summary of an internal investigation into the failures leading up to and during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The report concludes that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) underestimated Hamas’ capabilities, misjudged its intentions and ultimately failed to protect Israeli civilians.
According to the investigation, Hamas militants stormed the border, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, based on Israeli government tallies. The attack triggered Israel’s military response in Gaza, where at least 48,365 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
How did Israeli intelligence misjudge the threat?
The report highlights major intelligence failures. Israeli military analysts incorrectly assessed that Hamas was neither interested in nor preparing for a large-scale war.
The military assumed that any significant escalation would come with early warning signs. These misjudgments led to a lack of preparedness and a delayed response when the attack occurred.
The investigation found that the IDF had shifted its focus to other threats, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon, leaving Gaza’s border defenses vulnerable.
Intelligence reports from 2018 onward suggested that Hamas was developing an operational plan for a large-scale attack, but these assessments were either dismissed or never escalated to senior military leadership.
What security failures did the report identify?
The investigation points to a broader culture of complacency within Israel’s security establishment. The military relied heavily on surveillance and physical barriers, while failing to reinforce ground forces along the border.
When Hamas launched its assault, the Gaza Division was quickly overrun, forcing Israeli forces to scramble to regain control.
Israeli troops took hours to respond and days to fully clear the border areas of attackers. The report also notes confusion within the chain of command, which contributed to delays in military mobilization.
How has the report affected Netanyahu and the military?
The findings have intensified political pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has so far resisted calls for an independent investigation. Netanyahu has stated that any national inquiry should take place only after the war concludes. His critics argue that accountability should come sooner, given the scale of the security failure.
Military leaders, including the outgoing IDF chief of staff, have called for an independent probe to examine both military and government decisions leading up to the attack. The report also recommends reforms in intelligence gathering, threat assessment and emergency response protocols.
What are the ongoing consequences of the attack?
As of now, Israel and Hamas are in a tenuous ceasefire, though Israeli officials still vow to dismantle Hamas. However, the conflict has led to a worsening humanitarian crisis, with most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced and essential infrastructure severely damaged.
Humanitarian organizations warn that conditions are deteriorating as ceasefire negotiations continue to be strained.
