Israeli officials had acquired Hamas’ battle plan for the Oct. 7 terrorist attack well over a year in advance, as revealed by documents, emails, and interviews. However, Israeli military and intelligence dismissed the plan, deeming it aspirational and deeming its execution difficult for Hamas.
The Israeli authorities codenamed the roughly 40-page document “Jericho Wall,” which meticulously outlined the type of devastating invasion that tragically resulted in around 1,200 fatalities.
The document, translated and examined by The New York Times, did not specify a date for the attack. Nonetheless, it meticulously described a systematic assault aimed at overpowering Gaza Strip’s fortifications, seizing control of Israeli cities, and storming critical military bases, including a division headquarters.
Hamas executed the plan with alarming precision. The document called for an initial wave of rockets, followed by drones to disable security cameras and automated machine guns along the border. Gunmen were to infiltrate into Israel en masse using paragliders, motorcycles, and by foot. Astonishingly, all these elements of the plan unfolded on Oct. 7.
Moreover, the plan contained specifics about the location and size of Israeli military forces, communication hubs, and other sensitive information. This raises queries regarding the source of Hamas’ intelligence and the potential for leaks within the Israeli security establishment.
The document widely circulated among Israeli military and intelligence leaders. Nevertheless, experts determined that an attack of such magnitude and ambition was beyond Hamas’ capabilities, according to officials and documents. It remains uncertain whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or other senior political figures were privy to the document.
Shortly after acquiring the document last year, officials in the Israeli military’s Gaza division, responsible for defending the border with Gaza, expressed uncertainty regarding Hamas’ intentions. The military assessment reviewed by the Times stated, “It is not yet possible to determine whether the plan has been fully accepted and how it will be manifested.”
