Refael Hayoun, an Israeli civilian intelligence volunteer, says he could have listened to Hamas terrorists’ communications in real time had his equipment not been confiscated months before October 7.
Israel National News
Civilian intelligence volunteer Refael Hayoun of Netivot revealed a troubilng new detail regarding the communication devices seized from Hamas fighters after the October 7 massacre.
Speaking to Channel 12 News, Hayoun said that when he examined the devices, he immediately recognized that they operated on the same radio frequencies he had been monitoring for years.
‘That’s 464.370. These are the frequencies they used on October 7 when the terrorists infiltrated, and I had all of those frequencies programmed into my equipment,’ he said.
According to Hayoun, had his monitoring equipment still been in his possession that night, he would have been able to listen to the terrorists’ communications in real time and relayed that vital information to the IDF.
Asked whether he would have heard their conversations, he replied simply: ‘Absolutely. I would have heard them.’
During the interview, Hayoun said that for years he operated a monitoring center from his home, continuously listening to Hamas communications and relaying real-time alerts to Israeli security forces.
He also said that during previous escalations in Gaza, he intercepted conversations involving senior Hamas officials, including discussions about security arrangements and the movements of the organization’s leaders.
Hayoun said that in April 2023, about six months before the October 7 attack, his monitoring equipment was confiscated by the Israeli government.
According to him, Israeli security officials acknowledged at the time that while the intelligence he provided was ‘unique’ and ‘delivered in real time’, nevertheless, decided to end his activities without giving any explanation as to why this decision had been made.
The interview also aired a recording of a conversation between Hayoun and a senior military officer, in which Hayoun pleaded to be allowed to continue his work.
Hayoun argued that his ability to monitor enemy communications in real time enabled him to provide immediate warnings, while the IDF officer responded that the IDF’s intelligence systems were capable of providing ‘more advanced’ capabilities.
According to Hayoun, his monitoring equipment was returned to him after the October 7 attack without any explanation.