Report Contradicts Netanyahu on Pre-Oct. 7th Security Chief Talks

A military investigation into the intelligence failures preceding the October 7th Hamas attack has revealed that former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi did not speak directly on the night before the massacre. This finding, presented to political leadership and reported by Kan News, contradicts a statement issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to the investigation, the communication that night occurred between the chiefs of staff for Bar and Halevi. It was the Shin Bet chief's aide who woke the IDF chief of staff. Sources familiar with the matter stated that Netanyahu's announcement not only created the impression that Halevi and Bar deliberately concealed information from the Prime Minister but also falsely claimed they communicated during the night.

One source, who held a senior security position at the time of the attack, described Netanyahu's statement as "inciting the heads of the security organizations," adding, "The Prime Minister knows this is a false statement."

This contradicts Netanyahu's earlier statement, which claimed a Wall Street Journal report was intended to "throw all of Ronen Bar's failures and crimes onto the Prime Minister." Sources close to the issue argue Netanyahu's statement creates a double misrepresentation: suggesting the security chiefs intentionally hid intelligence from the PM and falsely claiming they spoke during the night.

Earlier, Netanyahu and Bar exchanged sharp accusations. The Prime Minister alleged Bar was aware of a pre-October 7th danger and that attempts were being made to blame him for Bar's failures. The former Shin Bet chief responded, threatening legal action and stating, "Evidence must be revealed about information given to the Prime Minister before October 7th."