PMO Releases Netanyahu's Schedule for October 7th Amidst Misinformation Claims

The Prime Minister's Office released Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's schedule for the morning of October 7th, citing "misleading publications" that have recently emerged. According to the statement, Netanyahu received his first update on the Gaza rocket attack at 6:29 AM from his military secretary. A second update call with the military secretary occurred at 6:44 AM, during which Netanyahu questioned the lack of prior intelligence and inquired about a potential large-scale reserve mobilization and the possibility of eliminating Hamas leadership.

Netanyahu departed for the Kirya military headquarters at 7:30 AM. En route, he spoke with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who reportedly stated that the situation was still unclear. Netanyahu then instructed that a situation assessment be convened under his leadership. The PMO stated Netanyahu arrived at the Kirya around 8:00 AM, though Shin Bet records indicate 8:22 AM.

Between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, Netanyahu received ongoing intelligence and field updates from the military secretariat. At 8:40 AM, Defense Minister Gallant met with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to prepare for the assessment with Netanyahu.

At 9:47 AM, the military secretary reportedly received the situation assessment document, which had been prepared by the Shin Bet chief at 5:15 AM. At 9:55 AM, Netanyahu chaired a situation assessment in the underground command bunker with the Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, Mossad chief, Shin Bet chief, National Security Advisor, and head of the Operations Directorate. During this meeting, Netanyahu ordered a complete sealing of the border to prevent hostage transfers to Gaza and further infiltrator entry. He rejected the IDF's recommendation for partial reserve mobilization, ordering a full call-up instead. He also reportedly ordered the issuance of a war order and preparations for the northern front. Following the meeting, Netanyahu held a limited security consultation with the Defense Minister and the IDF Chief of Staff.