Toll crosses 700, Israel confronts failings

Experts say the scale of attack points to big lapses in Israeli intel, with implications likely on Netanyahu’s political prospects

- Sanya Mathur

The stunning attack on Israel represents a staggering failure in Israeli intelligence and what has been regarded as one of the most sophisticated border surveillance system in the world, experts said, adding that Hamas will have achieved a symbolic victory that will resonate through the region for the foreseeable future.

Dozens of Hamas fighters on Saturday crossed into Israel through the heavily fortified border between the two sides under the cover of rocket fire.

At least 700 people have been killed in the deadliest assault on the country, surpassing the surprise attack during the Yom Kippur war, which took place exactly 50 years ago and led to the deaths of a little over 300 people.

The militant group has also taken dozens of Israeli soldiers and civilians hostage. Three hundred and seventy were killed on the Gaza Strip in Israeli retalilikely ation after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war.

Hamas's multifront infiltration they entered via the land, sea and even air required months of highly complex planning. From Israeli response, it appears that it either had no information or missed the signs on an upcoming attack, despite multiple warnings.