IDF identified Deif, other top Hamas commanders entering tunnels on eve of Oct. 7

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1. 1h ago

   IDF Tracks Deif Underground Hours Before October 7

   Israeli intelligence agencies tracked Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif and other top commanders entering underground tunnels and emergency shelters hours before the October 7 attacks. Newly cleared intelligence findings show that the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet were aware that Deif went underground, alongside other unusual indicators such as the activation of dozens of SIM cards and movements by rocket and anti-tank units. Military leadership remained focused on tracking and potentially eliminating Deif, whom many viewed as more dangerous than Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar.

   Why it matters

   The newly revealed intelligence highlights critical missed signals and distractions within the Israeli defense apparatus on the eve of the invasion. Prior to the attack, military planners prioritized tracking Deif as a primary security threat. Understanding how these specific pre-attack indicators were interpreted provides crucial insight into the systemic failures that preceded the offensive.

   What is confirmed

   • The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet knew that Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif went underground hours before October 7.
   • Newly cleared intelligence findings reveal five unusual indicators on the eve of the Hamas invasion, including Mohammed Deif entering an emergency shelter.
   • Prior to October 7, many viewed Mohammed Deif as more important and dangerous than Hamas Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar.
   • Launch pits were readied and Hamas anti-tank units were checked hours before October 7.

   What to watch next

   • Further disclosures regarding military and intelligence communications on the eve of October 7
   • Evaluations from ongoing state inquiries into missed pre-attack warnings
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. www.timesofisrael.com — The Times of Israel | News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish ...
   2. en.wikipedia.org — Israel Defense Forces - Wikipedia
   3. idf.org — Home | International Diabetes Federation
   4. www.jpost.com — IDF Articles and latest stories | The Jerusalem Post
   5. en.wikipedia.org — Israeli Air Force - Wikipedia
   6. The Times of Israel — IDF identified Deif, other top Hamas commanders entering tunnels on eve of Oct. 7
   7. The Jerusalem Post — IDF was distracted by tracking, trying to kill Mohammed Deif on Oct. 7
   8. Ynetnews — October 7: New details reveal five red-hot Hamas warnings Israel missed
   9. Middle East Eye — Hamas considered 'cancelling 7 October' attack if Israel honoured agreements
   10. Haaretz — Shin Bet and IDF knew Hamas' military chief went underground hours before Oct. 7
   11. The Amit Terrorism and Intelligence Research Institute — Al Jazeera’s What Is Hidden Is Greater’s Episode about Muhammad Deif and Planning the October 7, 2023 Terrorist Invasion and Massacre
   12. elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 11/04 Links Pt1: Midterm blowout normalizes anti-Zionism in Democratic politics; The Michigan race was identity politics at its de....
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