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The attack involved nearly 4,700 rockets and mortar shells, as well as the infiltration of approximately 5,600 terrorists into Israeli territory. Israeli forces were caught off guard, with critical command and communication failures hampering an effective response. Evidence indicated that Hamas had been planning the assault for years, with the operation first conceived in 2016 and formally approved in 2019.
The investigators underscored that Hamas had deceived Israeli intelligence repeatedly, fostering a false sense of security by claiming to prioritize diplomatic and economic stability over military buildup. This failure has led to increased calls within Israel for a comprehensive inquiry—though Prime Minister Netanyahu has deferred such investigations until the ongoing conflict concludes.