Hamas’ attacks against Israel that began this morning, with some still ongoing, will be met with force by Israel. The outcome of this situation and its impact on domestic and global politics remains uncertain, but it is clear that the situation will not end well. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already warned his citizens that they are at war, and civil reservists have been called up. Videos of street battles have emerged, and the country is currently on lockdown. There is also the potential for future strikes by Hamas in the south and by Hezbollah in the north. Despite being a country torn apart by domestic divisions, Israel seems to be united against a common enemy. As of now, the death toll stands at a minimum of 70 Israelis, with hundreds more injured.
One aspect of this situation requires further analysis and explanation: How did Israel, with its extensive counterterrorism efforts, fail to detect and prevent this multi-pronged attack? It wasn’t simply an intelligence failure, but a failure across the board. Some commentators have likened this event to Israel’s own 9/11, but this comparison is an oversimplification. Israel has always existed with the knowledge and understanding that it is a target for terrorism.
It is important to focus on Israel’s preparedness without blaming the victim or excusing the Hamas attacks. Speculation on social media suggesting ulterior motives by Netanyahu to unify the country through war should be dismissed. The government must determine the cause of the attacks without interference from politics or religion. Otherwise, Israel’s counterterrorism strategy will be further compromised.
Israel’s counterterrorism efforts are extensive and supported by the United States. These efforts involve infiltrating terrorist groups, gathering intelligence through various means, destroying infrastructure in Gaza, and utilizing assassination as a tactic. Israel also receives signal intelligence from allies and Arab countries, conducts bombing raids, and carries out military operations against Hamas.
Despite all these efforts, Israel failed to pick up on the signs of the attack in time. Just days ago, the Gaza border appeared to have stabilized, allowing workers to cross. However, today Hamas launched thousands of rockets, using drones and various unconventional methods of attack. Images have emerged of Hamas attackers on the streets of Israeli towns, instilling fear and panic among citizens. This attack is not just physical but also performative, as Hamas seeks to demonstrate its power. It deliberately chose significant dates for its attack.
The intelligence failure is only one aspect of the operational challenges Israel will face in the days to come. It is one thing to be caught off guard by such an attack, but it is another to have inadequate defense measures in place. Israel takes its preparation for attacks seriously, with mandatory conscription and regular testing of response and evacuation systems. It has also built an extensive technology wall along the Gaza barrier. However, Hamas seems to have control over populated areas in southern Israel, and there have been reports of their drones bypassing counter-drone efforts. The Iron Dome, Israel’s renowned defense system, proved ineffective against this multifaceted terror campaign.
While most systems under persistent attack will eventually fail, Israel has successfully prevented numerous terror plots in the past. However, it failed to do so on this occasion with devastating consequences. Israel must now confront this massive security failure and find answers to prevent a similar event in the future.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
