Security Officials Contradict Netanyahu on Hamas Strike Recommendation

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.