Netanyahu's Actions on October 7th Detailed by PM's Office

The Prime Minister's Office has released a precise timeline of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's activities on the morning of October 7, 2023, citing a need to counter "misleading publications." The chronology begins at 06:29 when the military secretary informed the Prime Minister of an attack from Gaza. By 06:44, during a second conversation, Netanyahu questioned the lack of prior intelligence regarding the impending attack and inquired about a large-scale reserve mobilization and the possibility of eliminating Hamas leadership.

Netanyahu departed for the General Staff headquarters, known as the Kirya, at 07:30. En route, he spoke with the Defense Minister, who reported an unclear picture of the unfolding events. Netanyahu instructed that a situation assessment be conducted under his leadership at the operational command post.

Arriving at the Kirya at 08:22, according to the Shin Bet security log, Netanyahu received intelligence summaries and updates from the military secretary's office between 08:30 and 09:30. Meanwhile, at 08:40, the Defense Minister convened with the heads of the General Staff and Shin Bet to formulate a situation report before meeting with the Prime Minister.

At 09:47, the Prime Minister's military secretary received the first situation assessment report, prepared by the Shin Bet chief at 05:15. Subsequently, at 09:55, Netanyahu chaired a situation assessment meeting in the operational command post with key security officials, including the Defense Minister, heads of the General Staff, Mossad, Shin Bet, the National Security Council, and the head of the General Staff's Operations Directorate.

During this meeting, Netanyahu ordered a complete closure of the separation fence to prevent hostage transfers to Gaza and further terrorist infiltration. He rejected the IDF's recommendation for partial reserve mobilization, instead ordering a full mobilization. He also declared a state of war and prepared for a potential opening of the northern front. Following the meeting, Netanyahu held a "narrow" security consultation with the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff.