U.S. and Israel Discuss Enhanced Intelligence Sharing Following Unprecedented Hamas Attack

Israeli officials were blindsided by a surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday, which saw thousands of rockets fired and fighters infiltrating the heavily fortified border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. The attack has raised questions as to why U.S. intelligence agencies did not see it coming, and has prompted discussions of enhancing intelligence sharing between the U.S. and Israel.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told “Face the Nation” on Sunday that the U.S. has not yet verified reports that Americans have been killed or taken hostage as a result of the Hamas offensive. He added that if the Israelis knew an attack was imminent, they did not share it with Washington.

The attack has been described as unprecedented, and has caused alarm among Israeli officials. The infiltration of Hamas fighters across the southern border and the launch of thousands of rockets has been seen as a massive intelligence failure, leading to discussions of how to better support the Israeli government in response.

U.S. officials have not yet commented on the potential for enhanced intelligence sharing, but have acknowledged the need for more information regarding the attack. The reports of Americans being taken hostage are also being investigated, and the U.S. is working to get the facts to find out if those reports are accurate.