Okay, I don't know nuttin about international politics, espionage, world dynamics, etc., but I don't believe for a solitary second that terrorists, or whoever, attacked Israel and they didn't know about it in advance. Don't countries have spies, counter-spies, intelligence, counter intelligence and so on?

Good questions. One would think so but...

I read something earlier that suggested that Netanyahu has been focusing on his opposition, and intelligence resources have been diverted somewhat. Sounds plausible.

Netanyahu being a despot (almost a dictator), he has been focusing on crushing the Palestinian state. I can totally see him overlooking signs, from being too cocksure.

Let's not forget that Trump gave Putin military and espionage secrets about Israel. There's every reason to suspect Russia of supplying Palestinians with counter-espionage information to evade Mossad's well-publicized super spy tech.

Stereo Nacht : or sacrificing some of his people to have an excuse to declare war? I don't know much about him.

(((Cajsa))) : oh, hadn't thought of that.

Report: Trump Revealed Israeli Commando and Mossad O...

It was 2017, but it's perfectly plausible that they assumed Hamas was not sophisticated enough to evade their intelligence. There is a flaw in having absolute overwhelming power against an enemy - underestimating them.

And what did Saudi Arabia get for their $2 billion?

I do know Saudi Arabia is manipulating oil prices to help Trump.