If it turns out it was simply a deception exercise intended to gather senior Hamas leaders in Doha for a meeting (in this case, a last meeting), this would not be the first time: a similar deception exercise, involving the American president and Israeli media, was conducted before the surprise attack on Iran. There too, it succeeded.

The decision to target Qatar represents a milestone in Israel–US relations, or perhaps Netanyahu–Trump relations, but it also reflects another essential element in the prime minister's war management: over his many years leading the country, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acted moderately and cautiously regarding military force, avoiding breaking enemy balances. Since October 7 that approach has changed. It appears that now no operational plan reaches Netanyahu without his at least serious consideration.

What began as a deep and genuine trust crisis between Netanyahu and the security establishment reversed completely during the long months of war, at least in special operations (the effort to defeat Hamas in Gaza is a different matter).

The strike on Qatari soil likewise expresses Israeli and American frustration with the Gulf state, which mediates in negotiations on one hand but hosts Hamas' foreign leadership with royal honor on the other.

This frustration is also directed at Hamas's foreign leadership, which imposed difficulties on negotiation progress and steadfastly refuses to compromise. Israel has taken responsibility: it struck Hamas leadership in Qatar.

Israel previously eliminated people it negotiated with (Yahyah Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh), and the sky did not fall. Hamas leaders in Gaza are now more isolated and pressured than ever before, and no one knows for sure how they will respond. Will they execute hostages? Surrender? Or attempt to squeeze Israel to the utmost, this time relying exclusively on Egypt to mediate?

It must be assumed that the Shin Bet – responsible for the intelligence in the operation and whose command center in central Israel ran the operation – seriously considered these questions.

The dynamics in this war are unlike anything else in history, and trying to predict would be pointless. History will judge whether the Qatar operation advances Israel's war goals.

One thing is certain looking back over the past 23 months: When Israel dares, surprises, and strikes with strength – it usually paid off.

The post Past experience proves boldness pays off appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

This extensive preparation involved gathering detailed intelligence and conducting surveillance operations targeting senior Iranian security apparatus officials and nuclear scientists who were subsequently eliminated. These efforts ran parallel to a clandestine operational campaign aimed at undermining Iran's strategic missile capabilities.

Video: How the Iran strike unfolded / IDF Spokesperson

Throughout this comprehensive framework, Mossad orchestrated intelligence-operational and technological collaboration with IDF units and defense contractors, executing multiple covert sabotage missions deep within Iranian territory, alongside widespread Israeli Air Force operations.

These coordinated operations specifically targeted Iran's strategic missile infrastructure and air defense networks. The institutional strategy required extended planning periods, demanding audacious and sophisticated coordination combined with innovative strategic thinking and operational deception.

Every mission necessitated meticulous research and precision intelligence collection, cutting-edge technologies, and extensive commando force deployment operating clandestinely throughout Tehran and across Iran while evading Iranian security and intelligence surveillance.

Initially, Mossad commando units operated throughout central Iran, deploying precision-guided weapons systems in strategic open areas near Iranian surface-to-air missile installations.

Through their operational activities, Mossad operatives successfully introduced specialized combat systems on an extensive scale, strategically positioning them across Iranian territory and directing them toward designated targets with exceptional precision and effectiveness.

Notably, this operation encompassed three distinct and sophisticated institutional operational frameworks. Initially, Mossad commando units operated throughout central Iran, deploying precision-guided weapons systems in strategic open areas near Iranian surface-to-air missile installations. Upon commencement of Israeli operations, coordinated with Israeli Air Force strikes across Iran, these systems received guidance and activation signals, launching precision missiles simultaneously toward designated targets with remarkable accuracy.

Video: An air defense system in western Iran taken out / Credit: IDF

Through a secondary operational phase designed to neutralize Iranian air defense systems threatening Israeli aircraft, Mossad executed clandestine operations deploying attack systems and advanced technologies mounted on mobile platforms. As the surprise offensive commenced, these weapons systems engaged and completely eliminated their designated targets – Iranian defensive installations.

Through a secondary operational phase designed to neutralize Iranian air defense systems threatening Israeli aircraft, Mossad executed clandestine operations deploying attack systems and advanced technologies mounted on mobile platforms. As the surprise offensive commenced, these weapons systems engaged and completely eliminated their designated targets – Iranian defensive installations.

The third operational phase involved Mossad establishing explosive drone facilities infiltrated deep into Iranian territory well before the attack through agent networks. During Israeli operations, these explosive drones activated and targeted surface-to-surface missile launchers positioned at Esfejabad base near Tehran, which represented significant threats to Israeli strategic and civilian infrastructure.

The post Revealed: Mossad's secret base of explosive drones inside Iran appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.