Hamas wanted to lure Iran and Hezbollah into attacking Israel. New details in NYT.

The leadership of the Hamas terrorist group, during the preparation of the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, tried to persuade the Lebanese Hezbollah and Iran to take part in the attack. The attack was originally planned to take place in 2022, but plans were delayed in order to gain allied support.

According to The New York Times, the Israeli military gained access to Hamas documents during the operation in the Gaza Strip. Documents found on a computer at the Hamas command center in Khan Yunis in January 2024 included minutes of meetings and correspondence between Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Iranian officials.

Journalists note that Hamas has been discussing plans to attack Israel since the summer of 2022. In July 2023, Hamas asked Iran for help in striking critical targets early in the attack. Iran has allocated at least $10 million to support Hamas militants.

It was planned to blow up shopping centers and Azrieli Tower skyscrapers in Tel Aviv. Initially, the terrorists considered blowing them up similar to the events of 9/11, but abandoned this idea. Hamas's plan was to prevent Israel from installing new air defenses before the attack.

Hamas hoped for the general support of its allies, but concluded that it might have to act without their participation. Plans for the attack were discussed in detail at Hamas meetings, where possible actions by Hezbollah were also discussed.