How did Hamas deceive Israeli intelligence? – Egypt Independent

At 3:45 pm on Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force launched an intense air raid on the Qatari capital of Doha after receiving intelligence that a high-stakes meeting of Hamas leaders would take place in a luxurious villa north of the city.

The targeted individuals included the head of the political bureau, Khalil al-Hayya, the movement’s former leader, Khaled Meshal and the official in charge of the West Bank issue, Zaher Jabarin, alongside Bassam Naim, Ghazi Hamad, and Taher al-Nunu, an advisor to the head of the movement.

The meeting was set to make a final decision on the latest ceasefire proposal by the US for Gaza.

Israel saw assassinating these leaders in one location as a rare “golden opportunity” it couldn’t pass up.

Israeli sources confirmed that the joint strike operation between the army and the Shin Bet intelligence agency was code-named “Summit of Fire.” They then identified the meeting location in a building that the Hebrew media described as “Judgment Day,” a reference to the importance of the target.

Israeli warplanes indeed fired eight precision missiles at the building, located in a high-end area inhabited by diplomats and prominent figures, with several foreign embassies nearby.

The explosions created a massive sound, yet when the dust cleared Israel was left stunned – Hamas announced in a statement that evening that all of its leaders were safe and that the casualties were limited to a number of escorts and guards.

The casualties from the operation included the head of Khalil al-Hayya’s office, Jihad Labbad; the son of the senior leader, Hammam al-Hayya; personal guard Moamen Hassouna; and escorts Ahmed al-Mamlook and Abdullah Abdel Wahed.

On Qatar’s side, Corporal Badr Saad Mohamed Al-Dosari of the internal security force, was killed while on guard duty at the site.

What Israel had intended as a strategic military and intelligence victory turned into a resounding failure.

The core question is: how did Hamas manage to deceive an intelligence agency widely regarded as one of the world’s most powerful? The answer lies in a simple yet highly cunning tactic. The Wall Street Journal revealed that the Hamas leaders grew suspicious when Washington insisted on Khaled Meshal’s participation, despite his having stepped away from a leadership role.

Their suspicions were further heightened when they were asked to meet in a private villa rather than their usual hotel venues.

These doubts prompted them to execute a counter-plan: they sent their mobile phones to the villa with their guards while holding their actual meeting in a different, discreet location.

Once the phones entered the building, Israeli intelligence picked up their electronic signals and, based on the Shin Bet over-reliance on technology without additional human confirmation, assumed the targeted leaders were present.

The result was that Israel bombed a location devoid of any strategic value, while the leaders escaped unharmed.

This operation became a live example of how technology can become a weakness if it isn’t supported by human intelligence.

International reactions to the failed airstrike were furious.

US sources stated that President Donald Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a very harsh tone, expressing his displeasure that the attack was carried out without coordination.

This was especially concerning given that it targeted the territory of a US ally that serves as a mediator.

Europe did not stand idly by. French President Emmanuel Macron declared his rejection of the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and affirmed his personal support for its Emir. Germany, in turn, slammed the event as “unacceptable,” while the British Prime Minister expressed his concern and demanded that Israel change its approach to managing the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Arab world showed widespread solidarity with Qatar.

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdel Aty, visited Doha and announced Egypt’s full solidarity and support for the brotherly state of Qatar. The Saudi Crown Prince also visited Doha to affirm his country’s support, and the UAE’s Prime Minister made a similar solidarity visit.

The King of Jordan and most other Arab nations affirmed the same position.

In a major blow to peace efforts, Doha decided to suspend its role as a mediator in the negotiations, which further complicated the situation and weakened de-escalation efforts.

Many analysts believe that Netanyahu’s primary goal was to undermine Qatar’s role as a mediator to ensure the continuation of the war in Gaza, which would provide him with domestic political gains and shield him from pressure to end operations.

However, the intelligence failure overshadowed any potential political objectives and left Israel facing an unprecedented diplomatic storm.

In summary, Hamas managed to turn the tables in the intelligence conflict with a clever ruse, transforming mobile phones into digital bait that lured Israel into striking a phantom.

The Shin Bet lost its bet on technology, while Hamas won a battle of security intelligence, proving that modern warfare isn’t won solely by possessing precision aircraft or sophisticated surveillance equipment. Instead, victory hinges on the ability to manipulate information and anticipate the opponent’s reaction.

The battle of Doha thus proved that flexible thinking and innovation can achieve what the latest weapons cannot.

Egypt, meanwhile, continues its efforts to secure a ceasefire and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the people of Gaza.

Author’s bio:

Samir Farag is a distinguished military and political figure, best known as the first governor of Luxor.

A highly decorated officer, he held a key position on the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces after the January 25 Revolution.

Throughout his career, he has held several prominent civilian roles, including Chairman of the Cairo Opera House and First Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism. Currently, he serves as Chairman and Managing Director of an energy company.

A graduate of the Military College, he rose through the ranks of the Armed Forces to command a mechanized infantry division. He graduated with honors from the Egyptian War College, where he later became an instructor, and also from the Royal College of Defense Studies in England, where he likewise served as an instructor.

Major General Farag holds a Ph.D. in Military Media and a diploma in business administration from the United States. He was also a graduate of the Higher War College with an honors degree from the Nasser Military Academy.

A veteran of the 1973 October War, he was the youngest officer in the war room. He gained international attention for a televised debate with Israeli General Ariel Sharon on the BBC. His distinguished career also includes serving as Director of the Military Intelligence Director’s Office and as a military attaché in Turkey.

He is the author of numerous books on strategic and military sciences.