Netanyahu's Office Releases Timeline of October 7th Morning

The Prime Minister's Office released Benjamin Netanyahu's schedule for the morning of October 7th, aiming to counter what it described as misleading reports about his actions during the initial hours of the Hamas attack. According to the timeline, Netanyahu received his first update on the Gaza assault at 6:29 AM from his military secretary. By 6:44 AM, he questioned why no unusual intelligence had been previously flagged and inquired about a potential large-scale reserve call-up and the possibility of eliminating Hamas leadership.

Netanyahu departed for the Kirya military headquarters around 7:30 AM, receiving updates during his drive and instructing that a situation assessment be convened. He arrived at the Kirya around 8:00 AM, though Shin Bet records indicate 8:22 AM. Meanwhile, the Defense Minister met with the IDF Chief of Staff and Shin Bet head at 8:40 AM to prepare for a briefing with the Prime Minister.

Between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, Netanyahu received ongoing intelligence and field updates. Notably, at 9:47 AM, his military secretary reportedly received a situation assessment document prepared by the Shin Bet chief at 5:15 AM.

A situation assessment meeting, including Netanyahu, the Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, Mossad chief, Shin Bet chief, National Security Advisor, and head of operations, convened at 9:55 AM. During this meeting, Netanyahu ordered a complete lockdown of the border to prevent hostage transfers and further infiltrant entry. He also rejected a partial reserve call-up, ordering a full mobilization, and instructed preparations for a potential northern front opening.

The Prime Minister's Office emphasized that the timeline's publication aims to clarify the sequence of events and decisions made by the Prime Minister in the critical early hours of the October 7th attack, in response to recent publications.