Podcast#19 Israel-Hamas Conflict | How Hamas Planned The Entire Attack? | Geopolitical Implications

The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas executed a meticulously deceptive strategy, catching Israel unawares with a potent attack, despite utilizing bulldozers, hang gliders, and motorbikes against one of the Middle East's strongest armies. The assault on Saturday, the most severe compromise of Israel's defenses since the 1973 Arab armies' war, was preceded by two years of covert military planning and a facade of unwillingness to engage in conflict by Hamas. While Israel believed it was pacifying Hamas by offering economic benefits to Gazan workers, Hamas was simultaneously training its fighters, often visibly, according to a source close to the group. The source, along with three individuals within Israel's security establishment, provided details of the attack and its preparation, which Reuters compiled. The source close to Hamas stated, "Hamas gave Israel the impression that it was not ready for a fight," and employed an unparalleled intelligence strategy to mislead Israel, publicly portraying a reluctance for conflict while preparing for a significant operation. The attack, which coincided with the Jewish Sabbath and a religious holiday, saw Hamas fighters invade Israeli towns, resulting in 700 Israeli and over 400 Palestinian casualties. Major Nir Dinar, spokesperson for the Israeli Defence Forces, likened the attack to 9/11, admitting, "They got us." Hamas representative in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, emphasized that the attack demonstrated the Palestinians' resolve to achieve their objectives, "regardless of Israel's military power and capabilities." In a notable preparation move, Hamas built a mock Israeli settlement in Gaza for practice and training purposes, even filming their exercises. Despite likely being observed by Israel, the source said, "they were convinced that Hamas wasn't keen on getting into a confrontation." Hamas also projected an image of prioritizing Gaza's economic stability over military confrontation, ensuring workers had job access and seemingly avoiding a new war. Since the 2021 war with Hamas, Israel attempted to establish economic stability in Gaza, offering incentives and work permits to Gazans for employment in Israel or the West Bank. An Israeli army spokesperson admitted, "We believed that...they were coming in to work and bringing money into Gaza would create a certain level of calm. We were wrong." An Israeli security source conceded that Israel's security services were deceived by Hamas, thinking they desired financial stability while they were actively engaging in military drills. For two years, Hamas abstained from military operations against Israel, even as another group, Islamic Jihad, initiated its own attacks. This restraint, which drew criticism from some supporters, was aimed at reinforcing the perception that Hamas was prioritizing economic issues over military conflict. In the West Bank, some mocked Hamas for its silence, accusing its leaders of abandoning their people to poverty in Gaza while enjoying luxury abroad. A second Israeli security source noted that there was a time when Israel thought Gaza's Hamas leader, Yahya Al-Sinwar, was more focused on governing Gaza "rather than killing Jews." Concurrently, Israel shifted its attention away from Hamas, seeking to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia. Israel, which has historically been adept at infiltrating and monitoring Islamist groups, was outmaneuvered in this instance. The source close to Hamas indicated that avoiding leaks was vital, with many Hamas leaders kept in the dark about the plans and training participants unaware of the operation's full scope. The attack, which took Israel by surprise, has prompted a reevaluation of its intelligence and preparedness against such meticulously planned and deceptive strategies. #narendramodi #bharat #israelhamasconflict #israelpalestineconflict #israelnews #israelunderfire