Exclusive footage has surfaced showing Hamas’s elite Nukhba unit conducting a detailed simulation targeting Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir just days before the October 7, 2023 attacks. The video, approximately two minutes long, intercuts raw training clips with studio analysis, providing unprecedented insight into the militants’ preparation and operational planning.

The footage depicts armed militants breaching structures, maneuvering in pickup trucks, and rehearsing abduction tactics using a masked likeness of Ben-Gvir. Analysts noted the exercise reflects a high level of coordination and planning, demonstrating how close the plot came to actual execution during the minister’s routine visits to border areas.

Security experts have emphasized that the material underscores the continuing threat posed by Hamas’s Nukhba unit, which has historically carried out precision attacks and kidnappings. The video has been used by Israeli intelligence to assess tactical methods, prepare protective measures, and strengthen operational security around high-risk government officials.

The release of this footage also highlights the ongoing challenge of preempting militant operations and the importance of surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response capabilities. Officials described the simulation as both a chilling reminder of past threats and a crucial learning tool for preventing similar attempts in the future.