Ben Gvir Blames Netanyahu for Oct. 7 Failures, Cites Gaza Policy

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bears "definite responsibility" for the failures leading up to the October 7th Hamas attacks. Ben Gvir also accused former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and former Military Intelligence head Aharon Haliva of misleading the government regarding Hamas's preparations.

Ben Gvir told Israel's Kan public broadcaster that while Netanyahu is responsible, Bar and Haliva "misled us." He explained his criticism of Netanyahu stems from his differing political stance, which is why he is in the Otzma Yehudit party and not Likud. Ben Gvir claimed he proposed a different approach to Gaza before October 7th, but his suggestions were dismissed, and Netanyahu was told by security officials that no major threat would emerge from Gaza.

These remarks come amid recent reports that Netanyahu received warnings from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and former Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel about Hamas's intentions to launch a large-scale attack. Netanyahu has denied receiving these warnings. Reports suggest Netanyahu recently visited the UAE to ask bin Zayed to deny having issued such a warning. Israeli and American media have reported that Kamel warned Netanyahu multiple times, including in early October 2023.

Netanyahu, in a post on X, accused "left-wing media" of a "vile and false campaign" to attribute the failures of Ronen Bar on the eve of October 7th to him. He alleged that Bar spoke with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Aharon Haliva on the night of October 7th about all the indicators of Hamas preparations, but chose not to inform the Prime Minister or alert forces, which Netanyahu claims proves Bar knew of the real danger.

Netanyahu further claimed that "hostile foreign states and elements, including Arab states," are behind these "false blood libels" to overthrow his right-wing government and replace it with a left-wing government that would withdraw from Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and establish a Palestinian state. He framed the upcoming elections as a choice between "the right or Palestine."

Regarding reports of Netanyahu transferring millions of dollars to Gaza, referring to Qatari aid, Ben Gvir stated he would have "turned the table" if he had been a member of the security cabinet at the time. He claimed the decision was not made in the political-security cabinet and that he had expressed his anger and withdrawn from the government over it. Ben Gvir asserted he was proven right and that his warnings were ignored. He also announced his intention to seek the role of Defense Minister in the next government, promising a "decisive" approach rather than "containment."