Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday presented what he described as conclusive evidence of Iran’s support for Hamas’ October 7 massacre and the terrorist group’s broader plan to destroy Israel, revealing intercepted communications between Tehran and slain Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif.
Speaking during a visit to the IDF’s intelligence unit for Technical Collection and Analysis (known by its Hebrew acronym EMSAT), Katz claimed Sinwar and Deif requested $500 million from Iran’s Quds Force commander to fund efforts “to annihilate Israel and confront the United States”—a request that, according to Katz, was granted.
“I am presenting today unequivocal proof of Iran’s support for Hamas’ plan to destroy Israel and carry out the October 7 massacre,” Katz said. He added that the documents, part of a trove gathered by the recently formed unit, also include messages between Hamas and former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated by Israel last year.
According to Katz, the intelligence was gathered physically from deep inside enemy territory and includes archives from Hamas, Hezbollah and other sensitive sources.