Netanyahu's Office Releases October 7 Timeline Amid Misinformation Claims

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released his schedule for the morning of October 7, citing "misleading publications" that have recently surfaced. According to the statement, Netanyahu was first alerted by his military secretary, Maj. Gen. Avi Gill, at 6:29 a.m. to an attack from Gaza. He received a second update from Gill at 6:44 a.m. At this time, Netanyahu reportedly asked why no intelligence had surfaced and requested an assessment of the need for a broad reserve mobilization and the possibility of eliminating Hamas leadership.

Netanyahu departed for the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv at 7:30 a.m., after his security detail was prepared. During the drive, he spoke with the Defense Minister, who informed him that the situation was unclear. Simultaneously, Netanyahu ordered a situation assessment meeting to be convened in the underground command bunker. He arrived at the Kirya around 8:00 a.m., with Shin Bet records indicating 8:22 a.m. By 8:40 a.m., he had convened the IDF Chief of Staff and the head of the Shin Bet to formulate a situation assessment ahead of his own meeting.

Between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., Netanyahu received intelligence and ongoing field updates from the military secretary. At 9:47 a.m., his office stated he received, for the first time, an assessment document that the Shin Bet chief had prepared at 5:15 a.m. At 9:55 a.m., Netanyahu chaired a situation assessment meeting in the bunker with the Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, head of the Shin Bet, National Security Advisor, and head of the Operations Directorate.

During this meeting, Netanyahu reportedly 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, instead ordering a full call-up, and instructed the issuance of a war order and preparations for the northern front. Following the meeting, he held a limited security consultation with the Defense Minister and the IDF Chief of Staff.