Dear MEPIN Readers,
MEPIN is always striving to keep our readers better informed and ahead of the curve, enabling you to thoughtfully analyze the complexities of the Middle East rather than simply react to the headlines of the day.
In that spirit, I am pleased to share an insightful analysis by Avi Shalev, Lt. Col. (res.), a trusted source whose distinguished résumé includes serving as an Advisor for Palestinian Affairs at COGAT (the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories), Deputy Head of the Gaza Civil Liaison Administration (CLA), and Head of the Economic Department. In these roles, he was responsible for coordinating comprehensive analyses of the Palestinian arena for the head of COGAT and other key Israeli security bodies.
As Israel continues to examine what was missed in the years leading up to October 7, Avi’s article raises important questions for Israeli intelligence and policy analysts.
His Paper, “Reading October 7 Through Palestinian Cinema: What Hamas’s Fists of Freedom Revealed Before the Attack” analyzes the warning signs that were visible in plain sight, yet minimized or overlooked,
When Americans ask Israelis how October 7 could have happened, the answers often fail to provide a satisfactory explanation. Learning from the mistakes that lead to Oct 7th is an important first step.
President Trump’s Board of Peace is meeting this month in Cyprus to reassess its priorities and mission. Meanwhile, Hamas has used the past six months to rebuild its capabilities, consolidate its power, and refuse to disarm, the central requirement of the ceasefire.
With much of the international focus currently on the one-sided concessions made by President Trump during the MOU negotiations with Iran, the situation in Gaza has temporarily receded from the spotlight. However, Gaza will inevitably return to the forefront, and Israel should expect renewed pressure to compromise on security measures that many Israelis view as essential to preventing another October 7.
Read Avi Shalev’s important paper HERE.