Senior Shin Bet Commander on October 7 Speaks Out for First Time

A high-ranking female commander within the Shin Bet, who held a critical leadership role during the Hamas attacks on October 7, is breaking her silence and speaking publicly for the first time. Previously, her identity and story were classified. The commander, who achieved several firsts for women within the security agency, including heading the Gaza Strip desk and an operational division, will share her account on the "Chasifa" (Exposure) program.

During the unprecedented events of October 7, she found herself in a perilous situation, facing "clear and immediate danger" from morning until late at night. Top Shin Bet officials reportedly grappled with the immense risk she faced, debating whether her death or capture by Hamas would be the more catastrophic outcome.

In a candid statement, the commander revealed her personal thoughts during the crisis. She contemplated the possibility of being taken captive and stated, "I thought many times what I would say if I were captured. It crossed my mind many times that if I am captured, it should be clear to everyone that I must be killed. Under difficult captivity conditions, I don't know how I would withstand it. They shouldn't try to save me. They should kill me."

Her testimony, airing on Keshet 12, aims to provide the public with a firsthand perspective from a senior figure involved in the security response on that fateful day. This marks the first time a high-ranking Shin Bet official from the October 7 events has publicly shared their version of events.