Confidential documents indicate that Iran played a significant role in the planning of the Hamas attack on October 7. These documents reveal that Tehran has been financially supporting Hamas for years, with plans for the assault long in preparation.
Since 2021, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has reportedly negotiated with Iran regarding funding for an offensive. Correspondence provided by Israel to the Wall Street Journal shows that these letters were discovered by Israeli soldiers in January within a Hamas bunker in Khan Younis, Sinwar's hometown.
One letter indicates that Tehran initially promised Sinwar $10 million, which he later increased to $500 million for the development of attack strategies, amounting to $20 million per month over two years.
Additional undated correspondence suggests that Hamas and Iran sought to enhance their military collaboration, including plans for drone development, air defense, and communication systems for future conflicts.
Sinwar's letters openly discuss the aim of uprooting the existing regional order. Other documents suggest that the attack was initially scheduled for 2022, but was postponed to ensure support from Iran and Hezbollah.
Israel found a presentation on a Hamas computer containing 3,100 images mapping 90% of Israeli territory, along with plans for attacks on airports, strategic infrastructure, and the Israeli parliament.
Notably, plans included using horses and chariots for transporting fighters, illustrated with images of an Egyptian pharaoh armed with a bow and arrow.
Iranian representatives at the United Nations have acknowledged their financial and military support for Hamas but deny involvement in the October 7 attack, claiming that Hamas acted independently.