Lessons from the Israel-Hamas War

Unraveling the Complex Lessons from the Israel-Hamas Conflict

- GENERAL P.C. KATOCH

October 7, 2023, WAS the blackest day in Israel’s history, with multiple Hamas attacks by air-land-sea backed by 3,000 rockets that killed 114 IDF personnel and civilians, taking temporary control of some areas/military posts and took back a large number of hostages to Gaza. Israel’s AI-enabled surveillance and intelligence system was easily circumvented despite Egypt’s foreign minister telling Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu 10 days earlier that something “big” was about to happen. Saudi Arabia also warned of an “explosive situation building up with Palestinians deprived of their legitimate rights.”

Israeli intelligence (known globally one of the best) had no inkling of thousands of Hamas fighters planning to cross into Israel? It is said they came to know only a day earlier but didn’t alert the border, which is difficult to digest considering IDF-Hama's hostility. The ‘Five Eyes Alliance’, which blamed India for Nijjar’s killing, knew nothing about the impending attacks? What about the CIA, with America developing a secret US military base in Israel atop Mount Har Qeren?

Israel witnessed prolonged nationwide protests after the government drastically curtailed powers of the judiciary. The US also was desperate to divert attention from its project in Ukraine. So, it suited both to let Hamas attack and then go after it full force although intensity of the attack was miscalculated?

Israel continues to bomb Gaza. Ground offensive has begun incrementally through the rubble-cum-built up areas but Hamas has a 500-km underground tunnel network. Israel has conducted airstrike in Lebanon and Syria and the US has also bombed Syria. Israel and Hezbollah are battling it out and rockets continue to be fired by Hamas-Hezbollah into Israel.