Get Plus

Sign in to baba News

One account across the web, iPhone and Android — your subscription follows it.

or use an email code

Search stories

Type at least two characters. Results come from every newsroom baba reads.

↑↓ to move · ↵ to open · esc to close

Sign in to baba News

Sign in to keep asking. News Plus removes the daily limit.

or use an email code

Channel 13Security

Security Officials Contradict Netanyahu on Hamas Strike Recommendation

Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 14 newsrooms covering

Newly revealed documents suggest Israeli security officials recommended preemptive strikes against Hamas leaders before the October 7th attack, contradicting Prime Minister Netanyahu's account. These documents, along with prior warnings from Egyptian and UAE intelligence, raise questions about Netanyahu's decision-making.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

  • Security officials recommended preemptive strikes on Hamas leaders, documents show.
  • Documents contradict Netanyahu's claims about pre-attack security discussions.
  • Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of fear, delay, and submitting false information.
  • Previous reports detailed warnings from Egyptian and UAE intelligence chiefs.
  • Netanyahu's office has denied previous reports of warnings.
Security Officials Contradict Netanyahu on Hamas Strike Recommendation
Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Newly revealed documents from meetings held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the weeks preceding the October 7th Hamas attack suggest that security officials recommended preemptive strikes against Hamas leaders, contradicting Netanyahu's claims. The documents, dated September 27th and October 1st, indicate that while Netanyahu favored de-escalation and controlled force, security officials advised a different course of action.

One document from September 27th quotes Netanyahu as stating, "The Prime Minister determined that action must be taken to contain and reduce escalation, using intelligent and controlled force." He also mentioned focusing on "fire balloons" and "humanitarian benefits." A week later, on October 1st, the focus shifted to an "historic peace agreement with Saudi Arabia," with a directive to "maintain a balanced level of security activity."

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yisrael" party, stated that the documents prove security officials recommended preemptive action against Hamas, accusing Netanyahu of fear, delay, and irresponsibility. Eisenkot further alleged that Netanyahu submitted a false affidavit to the State Comptroller and continues to lie, posing a danger to Israel. He argued this is why Netanyahu fears a state inquiry and refuses to release full protocols.

These revelations follow earlier reports, including one in The Atlantic detailing a September 26th visit by former Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, who warned of an imminent, large-scale Hamas operation. While Kamel did not provide specific details or a date, his message was reportedly dire: "If you don't change direction, Gaza is about to explode in your face." Additionally, reports in "Haaretz" and "The New York Times" suggest Netanyahu was personally warned by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and other intelligence sources about an impending attack, but allegedly did not raise these warnings in a security meeting on October 1st. The Prime Minister's office has previously denied these reports.

Channel 13Centre · Tel Aviv

Sign in to baba News

Sign in to follow newsrooms, topics and people.

or use an email code

Sign in to baba News

Sign in to follow newsrooms, topics and people.

or use an email code

Mentioned

Full coverage · 17 outlets
First: Ynet · Sep 25

The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.

Open the Wire