Lesson is in progress

The Failure of the Mossad

Female Israeli border surveillance soldiers (tatzpitaniyot) repeatedly warned senior military commanders about suspicious Hamas activities and preparations for months leading up to the October 7, 2023, attack.

The Warnings

• Observations: Stationed primarily at the Nahal Oz military base as part of Unit 414, these young female conscripts monitored the Gaza frontier via cameras, sensors, and balloons.

 • Reported Activity: For months, they documented and reported escalating and unusual drills by Hamas, including practice raids, mock kidnappings using replica tanks, border explosive placements, drone activity, and changing routines of local operatives.

• Dismissal: Senior male IDF officers and intelligence chiefs largely dismissed the warnings. They operated under the assumption that Hamas was deterred, financially pragmatic, and incapable of executing a large-scale invasion, reportedly under-valuing the frontline observations of lower-ranking female soldiers. The Impact • The Attack: When Hamas launched its assault on October 7, 2023, the Nahal Oz base was quickly overrun.

• Casualties: Fifteen unarmed female observers were killed at the base during the initial onslaught, and seven were taken hostage into Gaza.

 • Aftermath: The dismissal of these warnings has become a core symbol of the broader intelligence and operational failures preceding October 7. Surviving spotters, released hostages, and victims’ families have subsequently campaigned for formal state inquiries and accountability from military and government leadership.