Another intel blunder: Israeli spy balloons over Gaza failed on Oct 7

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Daily Mail
19 Nov 2023 10:17
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An Israeli security official reveals that three of the seven technology-laden "aerostats" were inoperable, which proved to be a humiliating shortcoming for the technology-reliant Israeli occupation security apparatus.

Israeli Skystar aerostat spy balloon -undated- (AFP)

A recent report by the Daily Mail reveals a new intelligence failure in the Israeli security establishment which occurred on October 7.

The Daily Mail reports that the Israeli aerostat helium-filled spy balloons stationed over Gaza, which were tasked with maintaining surveillance of Gaza, failed to forewarn the Israeli occupation of the burgeoning Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

Israeli security and industry sources told the Mail that three of the seven technology-laden "aerostats" were inoperable, which proved to be a humiliating shortcoming for the technology-reliant Israeli occupation security apparatus.

The Skystar spy balloons, which incorporate advanced cameras, sensors, and spyware failed to prevent the inevitable crashing wave of Al-Aqsa Flood despite the Resistance's humble equipment.

Israeli Epic Failure

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak called Operation Al-Aqsa Flood “the greatest failure in Israeli history."

John Brennan, former CIA director, said Operation Al-Aqsa Flood is evidence of an epic Israeli intelligence failure.

Israeli Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi acknowledged "mistakes" in the intelligence evaluations leading up to the unanticipated large-scale resistance operation on October 7, which caught the entity off guard.

Moreover, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar held himself responsible for the lack of an early warning for the Palestinian Resistance's Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against "Israel" in a message to members of the intelligence agency.

According to Israeli reports, Bar went to the agency’s headquarters and deployed a small team to the Gaza border after anticipating a small-scale operation. When the operation was launched, at least 10 members of the Shin Bet were killed on October 7, as per the agency.