Hamas used double agents, deception to fool Israel ahead of October 7 massacre, study finds

A new study by Lt.-Col. (res.) Jonathan Dahoah Halevi, published by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, details how Hamas used strategic deception, including double agents, to lull Israel into a false sense of security before the October 7, 2023, attacks. The study reveals that as late as October 6, Israeli intelligence was fed the impression of routine in Gaza, concealing Hamas's plans. Hamas officials, including Khaled Mashal, have acknowledged the deception, drawing inspiration from Egypt's Yom Kippur War strategy.

A new study by Lt.-Col. (res.) Jonathan Dahoah Halevi, published by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, reveals that Hamas employed a sophisticated strategic deception campaign to mislead Israel before the October 7, 2023, massacre. The study details how Hamas activated double agents as late as the eve of the invasion to feed the Shin Bet false information, creating the impression that Israel's 'carrot and stick' policy was working and that Gaza was in a state of routine. According to a senior Hamas military figure, the terror group identified an Israeli espionage network in 2017 and recruited some of its members as double agents. The IDF and Shin Bet investigations noted that on October 6, indications of an attack were received alongside reassuring signs. Senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal admitted in a late 2023 interview to using strategic and tactical deception, including conveying 'reassurance' messages, and stated he took inspiration from Egypt's deception during the Yom Kippur War. The study also highlights a channel of contact through former PA minister Sufian Abu Zaida, who met with Yahya Sinwar to negotiate a prisoner deal, which strengthened Israel's interest in a potential agreement. The article's framing relies on a single-source study and includes extensive quotes from Hamas officials, presenting their admissions as evidence without independent verification.