Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly received intelligence reports from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as far back as April 2018, detailing Hamas’s military plans for a coordinated attack against Israeli military bases and civilian communities in southern Israel. The news website Ynet reported that these documents, along with testimonies from senior officials, revealed that Hamas had developed a comprehensive operational plan for this multi-front assault between 2018 and 2022.

The document outlining this attack, referred to as the 'Walls of Jericho,' suggested multiple breaches of the Gaza border at various points and the mobilization of thousands of fighters. Despite Netanyahu being informed multiple times about Hamas's offensive strategy over these years, he has publicly denied any knowledge of the 'Walls of Jericho' before the events of October 7, 2023, raising questions about the accountability of his government in monitoring threats from Hamas.

This revelation comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region and highlights concerns regarding the Israeli government's preparedness for potential threats from Hamas. The implications of Netanyahu's awareness—or lack thereof—of such a significant threat could impact public trust and safety perceptions in Israel, as well as potentially influence international perspectives on Israel's security policies and relations with Palestine.