The Hamas attack against Israel on October 7th sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving many astounded by its ferocity. Some had anticipated the organization’s response within the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, influenced by Israel’s policies and the events unfolding in the West Bank. However, such hybrid attack, with Hamas flexing its operational muscles, likely didn’t even cross the minds of the Israelis themselves. The attack unfolded just before the highly anticipated Israel-Saudi Arabia agreement to normalize their relations, as part of the ‘Abraham Accords.’ The foundation of Arab-Israeli normalization agreements with four Arab countries – the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan – aimed to establish a new regional security architecture. The ‘Abraham Accords’ sought to stabilize peace, cooperation, and security in a fragmented region, smoothing out Israel’s relations with countries in the broader region. Many were left in awe, while others continue to lament the setback suffered by the Israeli defense and security establishment.

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