Netanyahu's Actions on Oct. 7 Under Scrutiny Amid Conflicting Accounts

The timeline of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions on the morning of October 7, 2023, has become a subject of intense debate, particularly following statements from former senior security officials. These officials expressed surprise at Netanyahu's claim that he was not awakened early to avoid potential errors regarding Hamas terrorists, as stated by the Prime Minister's office. According to their assessment, events on October 6 and 7 suggest the opposite, with instances where the Prime Minister allegedly instructed against certain actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, fearing miscalculations. This same reasoning, it is claimed, was used in closed-door meetings.

In response to what it deemed inaccurate reporting, the Prime Minister's office released a timeline of Netanyahu's activities on the morning of October 7. At 6:29 AM, military secretary Avi Gil first informed Netanyahu of the attack from Gaza. By 6:44 AM, during a second conversation, the Prime Minister questioned the lack of prior warnings in intelligence reports and ordered an assessment of a large-scale reservist mobilization and the potential elimination of Hamas leadership.

Netanyahu proceeded to the Kirya military complex in Tel Aviv around 8:00 AM, though Shin Bet records indicate 8:22 AM. En route, he spoke with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who reported an unclear picture of the situation. Netanyahu directed that a meeting be convened under his chairmanship in the underground command center. By 8:40 AM, Gallant had summoned IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar for a joint situation assessment before meeting the Prime Minister.

Between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, Netanyahu received intelligence and operational updates. At 9:47 AM, the military secretary received a situation assessment prepared by the Shin Bet head at 5:15 AM. The command meeting began at 9:55 AM with key security officials present. During this meeting, Netanyahu ordered the border completely sealed, opposed a partial reservist mobilization in favor of a full call-up, declared the start of war, and prepared for a potential northern front opening.

Earlier reports cited Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yashar!" party and former IDF Chief of Staff, stating that Netanyahu's office received intelligence about unusual activity in Gaza approximately three hours before the Hamas attack.