Netanyahu Aide Defends PM's Actions on October 7

Topaz Luk, a senior advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, offered an explanation for the Prime Minister's schedule on October 7, 2023, particularly the delay in communication with the then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. Luk stated that the reason Netanyahu and Halevi did not speak for over three hours after the outbreak of the Hamas attack was "chaos." He claimed that while Netanyahu's schedule, released by his own office, indicated a delay, he was "convinced it didn't take the Prime Minister three hours to speak with the Chief of Staff."

Luk elaborated that attempts to reach the military secretariat were met with no answers. He also suggested that it was deemed inappropriate to "burden the Chief of Staff, who was supposed to be managing the campaign at that moment." Addressing claims from individuals who reportedly saw Netanyahu during the initial hours of the war and alleged he was not functioning effectively, Luk vehemently disagreed. "From my acquaintance with the Prime Minister, I saw his determination, his fortitude, which I did not see in any other security official," Luk asserted, calling those accusers liars and stating, "The face of the Chief of Staff and the head of the Shin Bet was green." He added, "I was there on that terrible day and saw how the Prime Minister managed it."

Luk also addressed a report about a message sent by a person named Feldstein to him on October 12, inviting him to a villa. Luk explained he was not present at that specific gathering, citing personal distress and efforts to help a friend from Ashkelon find his brother. He also commented on being nicknamed "The Blender," suggesting that if everyone's WhatsApp messages were revealed, it would show how people speak. Luk maintained that Netanyahu was the only leader capable of conducting the war and achieving its results, including the return of hostages, while withstanding pressure from the Biden administration and internal elements.

Furthermore, Luk argued that Netanyahu represents many of his constituents and has faced "fictitious investigations and indictments." He claimed Netanyahu's early statements about changing the Middle East were accurate, contrasting this with a reported statement by Gadi Eisenkot advocating for a settlement. Luk concluded by stating that Israel's security situation is "much better" now and that Netanyahu has spoken about the level of responsibility he will present to a future inquiry commission that represents all segments of the population.