Recent reports reveal that Hamas, the Palestinian group behind the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, originally aimed to carry out a 9/11-style bombing. The group allegedly planned to strike the iconic Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv, which house offices, a shopping mall, and a central train station. Similar to the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, Hamas’s goal was to topple the towers and cause mass destruction.
Delayed Attack to Strengthen Alliances
According to a report by The Washington Post, based on documents obtained from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the attack was initially scheduled for October 7, 2022. However, Hamas delayed the attack by a year, intending to coordinate with Iran and Hezbollah to bolster their military strength. This cooperation allowed them to plan a more effective assault on Israel.
Why Hamas’s 9/11 Plan Was Scrapped
Despite their terrifying intentions, Hamas concluded after months of planning that they lacked the military resources to execute such a large-scale attack. The plan to target Azrieli Towers was scrapped, and they shifted their focus to more achievable military goals.
How Hamas Misled Israeli Intelligence
One of the key factors that allowed Hamas to carry out the deadly October 2023 attack was their ability to deceive Israeli intelligence. The group’s leadership deliberately lured Israel into a false sense of security, causing Israeli intelligence to underestimate their intentions.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a coordinated surprise attack on Israel, firing over 2,000 rockets and conducting ground assaults, leading to massive destruction and loss of life.