Ex-IDF Chief Accuses Netanyahu of Hiding Intelligence Before Oct. 7

Former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of knowing more than he revealed before the October 7th Hamas attacks and of "hiding information." Halutz stated that the ultimate responsibility for the intelligence failure rests solely with the Prime Minister, asserting that while others have faded from the picture, Netanyahu remains accountable.

Halutz believes that a reported conversation between Netanyahu and the Crown Prince of the UAE did take place, suggesting that if it hadn't, the UAE prince would have denied it. "There are too many supporting reasons to understand that the man knew much more than he told those tasked with solving the problems afterward. Because he was unable to solve the problems. He knew and hid," Halutz claimed.

Addressing the possibility that Netanyahu was warned and failed to act, Halutz expressed his inability to comprehend the Prime Minister's mindset, stating, "I don't know how to get into the mind of this psychopath. What goes on in his head? Only he knows. And perhaps the people who treat him. Nevertheless, the facts speak for themselves."

Halutz also commented on reports that Hamas had issued a warning prior to the alleged conversation with the UAE Crown Prince and that no decision was made at a security discussion convened by Netanyahu. He emphasized that the outcome of such discussions is the Prime Minister's responsibility. "The bottom line in a discussion that the Prime Minister convenes is the Prime Minister's responsibility, not that of the discussion partners," Halutz said. He added that Netanyahu has a habit of leaving discussions open-ended, which prevents concrete actions.

"I agree that the failure is total, broad, and includes everyone," Halutz continued. "But everyone else has disappeared. They are not on the map. One remains on the table. Let the public decide and eat what he cooks. I call on the public to understand: do not choose a person who has failed so totally in all aspects."

Halutz further argued that Netanyahu is the common denominator behind various national failures, including education, healthcare, transportation, and rising crime rates. When asked about the opposition's efforts against Netanyahu, Halutz suggested a more aggressive approach, stating, "There is a very high chance the opposition will win. Regarding the struggle, I would try to be much more aggressive."