Israeli Intelligence Operative Reveals He Could Have Eavesdropped on Hamas Before October 7 Attack

Rafael Hayon, an Israeli civilian intelligence operative from Netivot, disclosed new details about the communication devices seized from Hamas militants after the October 7 attack. Upon examining the captured radios, Hayon identified that they operated on the same frequencies he had been monitoring for years. He stated that if his eavesdropping equipment had not been confiscated months before the attack, he would have been able to listen to the militants' communications in real time during the assault.

Hayon told Channel 12 News that the frequencies used by Hamas on October 7 were exactly those he had in his possession, specifically 464.370 MHz. He confirmed that he would have heard the militants' conversations live if his equipment had been available that night. He also reiterated that for years he ran an operational command center from his home, continuously intercepting Hamas communications and providing real-time alerts to Israeli security forces.

He further claimed that during escalations in Gaza, he intercepted conversations of senior Hamas officials, including security instructions and movements of the organization's leaders. However, in April 2023, about six months before the attack, his listening equipment was taken from him. Despite being told by security officials that his intelligence was unique and timely, the decision was made to halt his activities.

The interview included a recording of a conversation between Hayon and a senior officer, where Hayon tried to persuade the officer not to stop his work. The officer responded that the IDF's intelligence systems could provide more advanced capabilities. After the October 7 attack, Hayon's equipment was returned, but he remains concerned about the ongoing threat, warning that the enemy is waiting for the right timing to strike again.