The Israeli site "Global News" reported, citing multiple sources with direct knowledge of the mission, that a small team of Canadian special operations forces was deployed in Israel following the October 7 attack.

The deployment included Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), Canada's most elite and secretive military special forces unit. Joint Task Force 2 is the Canadian national task force responsible for the most dangerous and sensitive missions carried out by the military, including counterterrorism and hostage rescue.

Sources told Global News that the Canadian Special Operations Command (CANSOFCOM) in Israel is handling security at the Canadian embassy (including any potential future evacuation of essential staff) and is communicating with the Israeli Defense Forces.

This aligns with what retired Brigadier General Dennis Thompson, a former CANSOFCOM commander, expected, as he told Mercedes Stevenson during The West Block program that special operations forces usually deploy rapidly to crisis areas due to their high readiness and mobility, activating the special operations force and the immediate task force that enables them to rely on JTF2 and other units to accomplish their mission.

Thompson also led multinational forces and observers during Israel’s last ground operation in Gaza in 2014. The peacekeeping force was established under the 1978 Egypt-Israel peace treaty known as the Camp David Accords.

The Canadian government often deploys special operations forces in tense environments to assist in gathering intelligence, planning evacuations, providing embassy security, and liaising with host militaries.

Thompson said, "There is certainly a close relationship between Canadian special operations forces and the Israeli Defense Forces, so nothing here is surprising, and it is largely consistent with their missions," emphasizing that he has no insider knowledge of current JTF2 plans.

JTF2 is also the unit responsible for hostage rescue in Canada. Thompson said they could be involved in helping the Israeli military plan rescue operations but did not suggest that Canadian special operations forces would plan any independent rescue efforts or participate in the Israeli offensive.

Although designated as a hostage rescue unit in Canada, JTF2 has never performed a hostage rescue operation.

Hamas and other groups have declared they captured about 230 hostages on October 7, when they attacked Israel and killed over 1,400 people, according to the Israeli government. Two Canadians are presumed missing, although Global Affairs Canada has not confirmed that Hamas holds them hostage.

Thompson explained that "there are still two Canadians missing," expressing his belief that they might be hostages, and in that case, they could be part of special forces’ hostage rescue planning, emphasizing again that he has no insider knowledge of current JTF2 plans.

Similar deployments have occurred in Ukraine and Afghanistan, and CANSOFCOM operatives participated in evacuation planning in Sudan.

Multiple sources said this deployment should not be interpreted as Canadian forces fighting or preparing to fight in the Israeli assault on Gaza.

With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israel was in a "second war of independence" (referring to the 1948 Arab-Israeli war when the newly declared Israeli state fought neighboring Arab countries), Thompson confirmed he expects the Israeli army’s ground offensive to take months before it can reach the area, to complete its declared goal of destroying Hamas, adding, "This is very complicated," "Hamas is on their home ground."

Thompson said the Iraqi army, with American assistance, needed nine months to clear Mosul of ISIS fighters in 2017, and Hamas had much more time than ISIS to prepare its defenses, as no Israeli forces have been in Gaza since 2014.

He continued, "The Israeli army’s recent raids on the enclave were probably aimed at gathering intelligence and providing reconnaissance, which will help soldiers systematically isolate individual neighborhoods."

“By isolation, I mean encircling armored vehicles to ensure that nothing enters or leaves. Then they will meticulously clear buildings, ruins, and tunnels, attempting to kill all Hamas fighters, destroy any equipment and weapons they find, and rescue nearly 230 hostages.”

Thompson indicated that Hamas will likely deploy improvised explosives and guided anti-tank weapons to stop the Israeli army and destroy Israeli armored vehicles.

He said this is why Israel uses the Merkava 4 tanks, "which are nearly indestructible" and capable of intercepting incoming missiles, but in the ranges we’re talking about here in a closed urban environment, it will be extremely difficult for the Israelis, and, in some respects, it will be "to Hamas' side."

Thompson said, "Some of the worst battles are likely to take place in the armed group’s tunnels under Gaza, as close-quarter combat is extremely dangerous.”

He suggested that Israeli soldiers might use small drones to scout the underground network before sending in troops, and also said Israelis might use trained dogs equipped with cameras that send live images to Israeli soldiers for planning their attack.”

While soldiers are likely to use night vision goggles, Thompson said those goggles require some light to work, which may not be available underground, especially with Israel cutting electricity to Gaza. The Israeli army can use infrared floodlights to assist, but Thompson warned that Hamas fighters might have the same equipment, adding, "It will be a tough battle," "and there will be heavy casualties."