PMO Releases Netanyahu's October 7 Timeline Amid Misinformation

The Prime Minister's Office released Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's schedule for the morning of October 7, stating it was in response to "misleading publications." According to the PMO, Netanyahu received his first update from the military secretary about the attack from Gaza at 6:29 AM. A second update followed at 6:44 AM, during which the Prime Minister questioned the lack of prior intelligence and asked about the possibility of a broad reserve mobilization and eliminating Hamas leadership.

Netanyahu departed for the Kirya military headquarters at 7:30 AM. En route, he spoke with the Defense Minister, who reported an unclear situation. Netanyahu then instructed that a situation assessment be convened under his leadership. He arrived at the Kirya around 8:00 AM, with Shin Bet records indicating 8:22 AM.

While the Defense Minister met with the IDF Chief of Staff and Shin Bet head to prepare for the meeting with the Prime Minister, Netanyahu received intelligence and field updates between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM. At 9:47 AM, the Prime Minister's military secretary received an assessment document that the Shin Bet head had prepared at 5:15 AM.

At 9:55 AM, Netanyahu chaired a situation assessment meeting with top security officials. He ordered a complete closure of the border to prevent hostage transfers to Gaza and further infiltration by terrorists. He rejected the IDF's recommendation for partial reserve mobilization, ordering a full call-up instead, and directed preparations for the northern front. Following the meeting, he held a limited security consultation with the Defense Minister and the IDF Chief of Staff.