Netanyahu's Actions on Oct. 7 Under Scrutiny Amid Security Officials' Claims

Former senior security officials expressed surprise at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that he was "not awakened" to avoid miscalculation regarding Hamas. However, a timeline of events from October 6 and 7, 2023, suggests Netanyahu himself had previously ordered restraint in military actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran to prevent "miscalculations," a phrase he reportedly used in closed meetings. The Prime Minister's Office released a timeline on Thursday, September 3, detailing Netanyahu's actions on the morning of October 7, in response to what they termed "erroneous" publications.

According to the timeline, Netanyahu was first informed of the attack from Gaza by his military secretary at 06:29. In a second call at 06:44, he questioned the lack of prior intelligence indicating an attack and asked about the necessity of a large reserve mobilization and the possibility of eliminating Hamas leadership. He departed for the Kirya military complex in Tel Aviv around 07:30, speaking with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant en route, who reported an unclear picture of the situation. Netanyahu instructed a situation assessment meeting to be convened at the underground command post upon his arrival.

Netanyahu arrived at the Kirya around 08:00, with Shin Bet records indicating 08:22. By 08:40, the Defense Minister had summoned the IDF Chief of Staff and the Shin Bet chief to form a clearer picture before meeting the Prime Minister. Between 08:30 and 09:30, Netanyahu received intelligence updates. At 09:47, his military secretary received a situation assessment document prepared by the Shin Bet chief at 05:15. A wider situation assessment meeting, including the Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, Mossad chief, Shin Bet chief, National Security Advisor, and head of military intelligence, began at 09:55. During this meeting, Netanyahu ordered the border fully sealed to prevent hostage transfers and further terrorist infiltration, rejected a recommendation for partial reserve mobilization in favor of full mobilization, and authorized the start of war, with preparations for opening the northern front. Following the meeting, he held a smaller consultation with the Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff.