Netanyahu Ignored Warnings Before Oct. 7, Documents Reveal

Newly revealed documents indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proceeded with plans to advance civilian arrangements with Hamas and prepare for operational assassinations of Hamas leaders on October 1, 2023, just six days before the October 7th attacks. This occurred despite receiving multiple warnings of an impending large-scale attack from Hamas, including from Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and UAE leader Mohammed bin Zayed, reportedly in the week prior.

During a security assessment meeting on October 1st, which followed a September 27th briefing, Netanyahu reportedly downplayed the need for immediate action, focusing instead on the opportunity for a historic peace agreement with Saudi Arabia. The documents, however, explicitly state decisions were made to "advance civilian arrangements with Hamas" and "advance operational readiness for recommended assassinations of Hamas leaders."

These revelations contradict Netanyahu's previous statements, particularly regarding recommendations for preemptive strikes against Hamas leadership. The documents suggest that security officials had indeed recommended such actions, which were allegedly ignored or postponed by the Prime Minister.

Key figures present at the September 27th briefing included then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet, Dedi Barnea and Ronen Bar, respectively. The meeting's minutes noted a need to "continue preparedness and activity on the fence against disturbances" and "increase the use of humanitarian benefits" as a tool, alongside offensive measures.

Opposition figures, such as Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, have seized on these documents, accusing Netanyahu of lying and demonstrating a pattern of fear and irresponsibility that led to the failures preceding October 7th. Eisenkot specifically criticized Netanyahu's refusal to establish a state commission of inquiry, suggesting it is to hide his alleged deceptions.