How Hamas deceived Israel: The "Big Project", fictitious settlement and exercises that the IDF mistook for a show
An Ynet investigation, timed to the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 massacre, systematizes the long-term deception tactics that Hamas used against Israel. It is based on previously unpublished internal Hamas documents, internal IDF investigations, and conversations with intelligence officials. It describes the creation of a "narrow military council" under the leadership of Sinwar, which developed the "Big Project" — an attack plan — and simultaneously a comprehensive disinformation plan, including concealment and deception.
Ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 massacre, Ynet publishes an investigation based on previously unpublished internal Hamas documents, internal IDF investigations, and conversations with senior Israeli intelligence officials. The material systematizes the deception mechanism that Hamas used against Israel for several years leading up to the attack. A key element was the "narrow military council" — a secret body created by Yahya Sinwar, which single-handedly discussed the "Big Project" — the attack plan. The minutes of the council meeting from January 8, 2023, signed by Marwan Issa, reveal Hamas's decision to cease "minor clashes" (rocket attacks) so as not to provoke an IDF response operation before the planned attack. The document also expresses confidence that the actions of Israel's new government would help mobilize the "axis of resistance" — Iran, Hezbollah, and other groups. The investigation describes two main methods of disinformation: concealment (so the enemy knows nothing) and deception (so the enemy sees preparations but interprets them incorrectly).