Hamas' Ambitious Attack Plans Against Israel
Recent revelations from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have uncovered extensive documents detailing Hamas' strategic plans for large-scale attacks against Israel. These documents, found during the IDF's ground operations in Gaza, include correspondence with Iranian leaders dating back to 2021, requesting substantial military and financial support. The documents illustrate Hamas' intent to escalate conflicts with Israel and coordinate efforts with allies like Hezbollah, aiming for devastating operations that could disrupt Israel's security infrastructure.
Among the plans outlined, Hamas aimed to utilize various methods of attack, including trains and boats, as well as targeting key urban structures in Tel Aviv, such as the Moshe Aviv Tower and Azrieli Towers. The 36-slide presentation found in Gaza detailed strategies for combined strikes against Israel, emphasizing the destruction of buildings close to vital security facilities to hinder IDF operations during the attacks. Experts suggest that these findings reveal Hamas' aspirations for a significant offensive that could provoke a broader regional conflict involving Iran and its allied groups.
- ## Coordination with Iran and Hezbollah In a related report, the New York Times has disclosed that Hamas has been actively seeking to involve Iran and Hezbollah in its military strategies since at least 2021. Secret protocols from Hamas meetings indicate a calculated effort to maintain a facade of deterrence while laying the groundwork for a major offensive, which culminated in the attack on October 7, 2024. Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, had initially planned this operation to occur in 2022 but delayed it to secure Iranian and Hezbollah support. The documents reveal that Hamas viewed the internal political turmoil in Israel as an opportune moment for their planned assault. Despite some indications of support from Iran and Hezbollah, the final decision to attack was made with the understanding that these allies might not be ready to join the fight immediately. This complex web of planning underscores the intricate relationships and strategic calculations at play in the ongoing conflict.
