Ex-National Security Chief Questions Netanyahu's UAE Visit, Accountability

Former Israeli National Security Council head Eyal Hulata has stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should take responsibility for the failures leading up to the October 7th attacks. Hulata commented on reports of a supposed secret visit by Netanyahu to the United Arab Emirates, arguing that such a trip by the prime minister should have been conducted openly and transparently.

Speaking on 103FM radio, Hulata contrasted Netanyahu's perceived lack of accountability with that of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who he said admitted responsibility for his part in the failures and resigned after October 7th. Hulata believes Netanyahu has not yet accepted responsibility on either a political or personal level, emphasizing that taking responsibility is a matter of values.

He criticized political practices where officials blame others instead of admitting their own mistakes, stating that such confrontations harm state systems. Hulata specifically addressed reports of Netanyahu's UAE visit and statements by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed regarding potential warnings before the October 7th attack. He stressed that the UAE is a key partner in the Abraham Accords, making a public visit by the Israeli prime minister appropriate.

"The very fact that we are concerned about whether this visit took place or not is an event that needs to be discussed," Hulata said, adding that he presumes the visit did occur. He concluded by calling for a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7th, noting that the public still lacks answers regarding who knew what and when prior to the attack.