Regional states plotted to falsify plans for normalization with Israel while planning war - report

Officials from one unnamed regional country advised another state to pursue tactical flexibility and an agreement with Israel, while simultaneously preparing for a larger military confrontation, Kan News reported Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The strategy reportedly aimed to "lull Israel to sleep" during the period of agreement.

The proposal, according to the report, was not intended for lasting reconciliation. Instead, the officials suggested using the agreement as a cover to prepare for a future war against Israel. The intention was to later violate the agreement while escalating military preparations.

These revelations carry particular weight in light of intelligence failures surrounding the October 7 Hamas attack. Internal Hamas documents previously published detailed a deliberate strategy to convince Israel of its pursuit of stability while secretly preparing for a surprise assault. This deception involved projecting restraint and an interest in economic and diplomatic arrangements, including remaining on the sidelines during previous conflicts with Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The report emerges as Israel and regional actors continue to navigate diplomatic arrangements and normalization initiatives in a Middle East significantly reshaped by the wars that followed the October 7 attacks. Efforts toward new agreements are ongoing across various fronts, including discussions about potential normalization.