Israel Dismissed Hamas Battle Plan Before Surprise Attack Despite Multiple Warning Signs
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Israeli officials obtained Hamas' 40-page battle plan for the Oct. 7 attack over a year in advance but dismissed it as unrealistic.
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The plan outlined a coordinated land, sea, and air invasion of Israel with the goal of taking over cities and military bases. Hamas followed it almost exactly.
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An intelligence analyst warned the plan matched Hamas training exercises but her concerns were brushed aside by a military colonel.
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The plan revealed Hamas had significantly more fighters and weapons than Israel realized, with access to Israeli military intelligence.
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Israel failed to act on multiple warning signs, leading to the intelligence failure compared to the pre-9/11 situation in the U.S.