Background of the October 7 Attacks
On October 7, 2023, Israel faced one of the deadliest attacks in its history, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,200 lives. Recent documents obtained by the Israeli army and reported by the New York Times shed light on the extensive planning that preceded this catastrophic event. Over a span of two years, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his top commanders meticulously strategized to execute what they referred to as 'the grand scheme.' This involved attempts to rally support from allies such as Iran and Hezbollah to join in their operations against Israel.
Strategic Planning and Deception
The documents reveal that Hamas aimed to create the illusion of restraint while secretly preparing for a significant offensive. Since 2021, they avoided major confrontations with Israel to keep the nation unsuspecting of their true intentions. The planning for the attack was initially set for the fall of 2022 but was postponed in hopes of garnering support from Iran and Hezbollah. A senior Iranian commander confirmed in July 2023 that both Iran and Hezbollah were supportive of the plan but required more time to prepare.
Motivations Behind the Attack
Hamas's motivations extended beyond mere military objectives; they sought to disrupt the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which was nearing a historic peace agreement. Additionally, they aimed to counteract the strengthening Israeli presence in the West Bank and protect the Aqsa Mosque, a site of immense religious significance. With the looming threat of Israel's new advanced air defense system, Hamas decided to proceed with the attack, anticipating that their allies might not fully participate.
