Netanyahu's Office Releases October 7 Timeline, Citing Misleading Reports

The Prime Minister's Office has released a detailed timeline of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's activities on the morning of October 7, 2023, in response to what it termed misleading recent publications. The schedule begins at 06:29, when the military secretary first informed the prime minister of an attack from the Gaza Strip. A second update at 06:44 saw Netanyahu question the lack of prior intelligence and inquire about a large-scale reserve mobilization and the possibility of eliminating Hamas leadership.

Netanyahu departed for the Kirya military headquarters around 07:30, speaking with the Defense Minister en route, who reported an unclear situation. The prime minister then ordered a situation assessment meeting to be convened under his leadership. He arrived at the Kirya around 08:00, with Shin Bet records indicating 08:22. Meanwhile, at 08:40, the Defense Minister met with the IDF Chief of Staff and Shin Bet head to formulate a situation assessment for the upcoming meeting with Netanyahu.

From 08:30 to 09:30, Netanyahu received ongoing intelligence and field updates. At 09:47, his military secretary received a situation assessment document that the Shin Bet chief had prepared at 05:15 that morning. The prime minister chaired a situation assessment meeting at 09:55, attended by the Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, head of the Shin Bet, National Security Advisor, and head of Military Intelligence.

During this meeting, Netanyahu ordered a complete closure of the border to prevent hostage movement 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. The meeting concluded with a limited security consultation between the prime minister, Defense Minister, and IDF Chief of Staff.