October 7 Failures Emerge as Election Weapon Amidst Leaks
As Israel's election deadline approaches, sensitive security files are surfacing in the media, reigniting questions about responsibility for the October 7 failures. Various parties are trading accusations and highlighting opponents' mistakes ahead of the electoral battle. Analyst Adham Habiballah suggests this could be the start of a series of political and security leaks in an election where the war and October 7 are expected to be central themes.
Recent leaks claim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received calls and updates on the morning of October 7, contradicting his earlier statements that he was not awakened or informed in the attack's initial hours. Habiballah notes that Netanyahu has recently begun revealing security protocols and deliberations, especially in the absence of a formal inquiry commission. Netanyahu appears to be attempting to reshape the narrative of his responsibility, shifting blame towards the security and military establishment.
Further revelations include reports of direct, secret communications between Netanyahu and Hamas leaders in 2014, allegedly without the knowledge of security agencies. Habiballah explains that the security establishment kept these sensitive communications secret for years, but the approaching elections may prompt further disclosures. He believes all sides are now seeking weaknesses in their rivals, anticipating more leaks from past security meetings and deliberations.
Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot is also targeted, with the resurfacing of a 2017 plan to attack Hezbollah, which he opposed. Habiballah views the timing of this revelation as politically motivated, especially given Eisenkot's prominent role in the opposition. The aim, he suggests, is to portray Eisenkot as part of the security and political system that favored containment over escalation.
Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman is leveraging the "Hamas card" by reiterating his past warnings about Hamas's plans to infiltrate Israeli territory. Habiballah points out that Lieberman's historical disputes with Netanyahu largely centered on Gaza policy, but the infiltration scenario was not exclusive to Lieberman, having been discussed within the security establishment, with accusations that political leadership underestimated Hamas's capabilities.
Habiballah anticipates the upcoming elections will become an open confrontation over responsibility for the most significant security failure in Israel's history. With Netanyahu's popularity declining and a fragmented political landscape, each side is vying to present itself as the strongest protector of security while blaming others for the failures. He predicts more leaks in the coming days as the election nears, with each party attempting to protect its image and expose opponents as responsible for the security breakdown.
