An investigation by the Israeli military has determined that Hamas was able to carry out the deadliest attack in Israeli history on 7 October 2023 because the much more powerful Israeli Army misjudged the militant group’s intentions and underestimated its capabilities.
The Israeli military has acknowledged that it underestimated Hamas' capabilities, leading to a significant failure during the October 7, 2023, attack, which was the deadliest in Israeli history. The investigation revealed that the military misjudged Hamas' intentions and capabilities, believing the group was more focused on governance than conflict. Hamas utilized over 60 attack routes, far exceeding the military's expectations, and had been planning the operation since 2017. Signs of an impending attack, such as Hamas fighters using Israeli SIM cards, were overlooked. The attack was well-coordinated, involving rockets and fighters breaching the border, with little resistance in the initial hours. Some Israelis also blame Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a failed policy of deterrence and containment, including allowing Qatar to fund Hamas and sidelining the Palestinian Authority.