IDF chiefs knew about October 7 attacks in advance but never informed top officials: Report

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intelligence chiefs knew about Hamas' plans to conduct the October 7 attacks, more than a year in advance but never told the senior military and political leaders about it, a report in The Times of Israel, citing Channel 12has claimed.

Unit 8200 of IDF obtained a 40-page document that was written in October 2021 in Arabic and translated in April 2022, revealing Hamas' plans for what eventually proved to be the October 7 attacks. The document was seen by IDF intel chief Aharon Haliva, 8200 commander Yossi Sariel, Gaza division commander Avi Rosenfeld, and then IDF Southern Command chief Eliezer Toledano.

However, the top hierarchy, which included the IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, deputy chief Amir Baram andIsrael Air Force chief Tomer Brar among others, never saw the document. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and other important leaders also remained oblivious to the documents, codenamed "Jericho Walls".

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Severe lapses from Israeli forces

In the months leading up to the attack, the Israeli Air Force chief had cast aspersions over the lack of adequate intelligence on developments in Gaza. Bar held meetings, including with Unit 8200 about the ground situation to address his concerns. However,he was not informed about Hamas' battle plan documents.

Hours before the attack one of the intelligence officers noticed that dozens of Hamas terroriosts had activated Israel SIM cards in their phones, which was a tell-tale sign of something sinister brewing -- that was conveniently ignored by the higher officials.

The report is the latest in a long series of revelations that began emerging in the aftermath of the attacks. The Israeli intel and military agencies were caught napping at the wheel as Hamas pounced on the opportunity.

Over 1,200 people were killed in Israel's southern region during the October 7 attacks while 251 were kidnapped as hostages. To this date, 111 still remain in Gaza, while the bodies of 39 are yet to be returned to Tel Aviv.

The hostage and truce talks are currently underway in Doha, Qatar having been at an impasse for months. US is mediating the negotiations but so far, no headway has been made.

(With inputs from agencies)