A PROBE by the Israeli military has determined that Hamas was able to carry out the deadliest attack in Israeli history on October 7 2023 because the much more powerful Israeli army misjudged the resistance group’s intentions and underestimated its capabilities.

The findings, released on Thursday, add pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch a broader inquiry to examine the political decision-making that preceded the attack.

Many Israelis believe that the mistakes of October 7 extend beyond the military and they blame Mr Netanyahu for what they view as a failed strategy of deterrence and containment in the years leading up to the attack.