Israeli Officials Identify 2 Hamas Leaders Behind Deadly Attack
October 17, 2023 | by b1og.net
Israeli Officials Identify 2 Hamas Leaders Behind Deadly Attack
In a recent interview with CBS News, a senior Israeli official named Ron Dermer identified two Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar and El Deif, as the masterminds behind the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. Dermer emphasized that these leaders are backed by Iran, not only financially and with weapons, but also with training, logistics, and political support. He further revealed that intelligence indicates that a majority of Hamas’ military budget is funded by Iran. While there is still speculation as to whether Iran was specifically aware of the timing of the attack, Dermer stressed that the involvement of Iran is undeniable and that without their support, this attack could not have taken place.
Israeli Officials Identify 2 Hamas Leaders
Israeli officials have identified Yahya Sinwar and El Deif as the individuals responsible for the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 people. Ron Dermer, Israel’s minister of strategic affairs and a member of its new war cabinet, stated in an interview with CBS News that Sinwar and Deif are the specific individuals behind the attack. He emphasized that these leaders are supported by Iran, both financially and militarily. Sinwar, the head of the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has been singled out by Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht as a primary target.
Israeli Military Targets Sinwar
Lt. Col. Richard Hecht has stated that Yahya Sinwar, one of the identified Hamas leaders responsible for the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, is being actively targeted by the Israeli military. Hecht referred to Sinwar as a “dead man walking” and made it clear that Israel intends to eliminate him. This reflects Israel’s determination to hold those responsible for the attack accountable and prevent further acts of violence.
Biden Administration’s Stance on Iran’s Support of Hamas
The Biden administration has acknowledged that Iran has long provided material, financial, and logistical support to Hamas. However, they have stated that, as of now, there is no concrete evidence linking Iran to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. While Iran’s support for Hamas is recognized, the specific timing and planning of the attack are still being investigated.
U.S. Officials Believe Iran Taken by Surprise
Several U.S. officials have suggested that Iran was taken by surprise by the Hamas attack on Israel. U.S. intelligence indicates that Iran was not aware of the timing of the attack, which has caused significant casualties. This suggests a potential lapse in communication or coordination between Iran and Hamas. However, it is important to note that Iran’s overall support for Hamas remains strong, and the attack would not have been possible without Iran’s backing.
Hamas’ Funding Comes from Iran
According to Ron Dermer, Israel’s minister of strategic affairs, Hamas receives approximately 93% of its military budget from Iran. The financial support provided by Iran plays a crucial role in enabling Hamas to carry out its operations, including planning and executing attacks on Israeli targets. The funding allows Hamas to acquire weapons, provide training to its members, and maintain its infrastructure.
Question of Iran’s Awareness of Attack Timing
While it remains uncertain whether Iran was specifically aware of the timing of the Oct. 7 attack, the fact that Iran is the primary source of Hamas’ financial and military support cannot be ignored. Ron Dermer emphasized that Iran and Hamas have regular meetings and close ties, indicating a level of coordination between the two entities. The exact details of Iran’s knowledge regarding the timing of the attack are still under investigation.
Iran’s Support Integral to Hamas’ Operations
The support provided by Iran is integral to the functioning of Hamas as a terrorist organization. Without Iran’s financial and military aid, Hamas would not have the resources or capabilities to carry out attacks on the scale witnessed on Oct. 7. Iran’s backing enables Hamas to maintain its infrastructure, recruit and train fighters, and acquire the necessary weapons and equipment. The strong relationship between Iran and Hamas underscores the significant role Iran plays in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Israel’s Consideration of Attack on Iran
In light of Iran’s support for Hamas and its ongoing hostility towards Israel, Israel is considering the option of an attack on Iran. Ron Dermer described Iran as a country that actively seeks Israel’s destruction and emphasized the need to prevent a regime that denies the first Holocaust from developing nuclear weapons. Israel views a nuclear-armed Iran as a significant threat to its security and is prepared to take necessary measures to defend itself.
Israel’s Defense Against an Iranian Nuclear Regime
Israel remains committed to ensuring its defense against the potential threat of an Iranian nuclear regime. The possibility of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons raises serious concerns for Israel’s security. Israel is prepared to take any necessary actions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and potentially using them against Israel. This commitment underscores the gravity of the situation and Israel’s determination to safeguard its national security.
Comparison of Oct. 7 Attack to 9/11
Ron Dermer drew a comparison between the Oct. 7 attack and the September 11 attacks in the United States. He highlighted the significance of the loss of life in Israel, with over 1,300 people killed, and emphasized that it is the equivalent of 50,000 Americans being murdered in a single day. Dermer pointed out the proximity of the terrorist organization Hamas to the Israeli population and the need to address this threat in their backyard. This comparison highlights the severity of the situation and the impact of the attack on Israel.
Blaming Hamas for Civilian Casualties in Gaza
When addressing the safety of Gaza’s over 2 million residents, Ron Dermer assigned blame to Hamas for any civilian casualties. He stated that since the war began, over 2,670 people in Gaza have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory counterstrikes. While civilian casualties are a tragic outcome of any conflict, Dermer emphasized that it is Hamas’ actions and aggression that have led to this loss of life. Israel maintains that it takes precautions to minimize civilian casualties, but Hamas’ use of civilian infrastructure and human shields complicates these efforts.
In conclusion, Israeli officials have identified Yahya Sinwar and El Deif as the individuals responsible for the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Israel is actively targeting Sinwar, and the Biden administration acknowledges Iran’s support for Hamas but has not found concrete evidence linking Iran to the attack. The question of Iran’s awareness of the attack timing remains uncertain, but Iran’s overall support for Hamas is crucial to its operations. Israel is considering the option of an attack on Iran to defend against its support for Hamas and prevent the development of a nuclear regime. The severity of the Oct. 7 attack has been compared to the September 11 attacks, and Hamas is blamed for civilian casualties in Gaza.
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