Netanyahu Denies Security Chiefs Feared His Reaction on Oct. 7

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied claims that security officials deliberately avoided waking him early on October 7, 2023, fearing he would order a preemptive strike on Gaza. Speaking to Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11, Netanyahu stated that while he received two calls at 6:29 AM and 6:40 AM after Hamas's attack began, he did not speak with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi until a 9:45 AM situation assessment. This contradicts his earlier statements suggesting security officials decided not to alert him due to a "miscalculation" and fear of his potential reaction.

Netanyahu had previously released a video asserting he saw a document detailing a request from former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to maintain a high state of alert, but with a recommendation to "avoid any large-scale activity at this time" to prevent a "miscalculation." Netanyahu claimed the IDF chief, Shin Bet chief, and head of military intelligence feared his response if awakened, believing Hamas was deterred. He argued that if he had been woken, he would have ordered the air force to act and mobilized the army, potentially altering the outcome.

These statements come amid controversy surrounding remarks by Netanyahu's wife, Sara Netanyahu, who accused opposition leader Yair Golan of having prior knowledge of the October 7 events. She suggested Golan was prepared early that morning while others, including the Prime Minister, were unaware. Golan has threatened a defamation lawsuit against Sara Netanyahu, demanding an apology and financial compensation for Nova festival survivors, or facing a suit for at least 2.5 million shekels.

In response to the controversy, Benjamin Netanyahu later stated in a video that his wife's remarks were not an accusation of treason, calling the events a "failure." He clarified that she did not use the word "treason" in her comments.