Columnist Slams Netanyahu, Allies for Blaming Oct. 7 Victims

Journalist Ben Caspit argues it is absurd for families of victims from the October 7th attacks to apologize to Prime Minister Netanyahu, whom he holds responsible for their security failures. Caspit, writing for Maariv, describes the ongoing difficulty in articulating the horror of October 7th, even three years later, recalling specific victims like paramedic Amit Mann and observer Roni Eshel. He criticizes Netanyahu's repeated claims that Israel was on the brink of destruction, suggesting this narrative aims to portray the Prime Minister as the nation's savior.

Caspit contends that if Israel was indeed close to annihilation, the responsibility lies squarely with the leader in charge of security. He points to Israel's strong military and intelligence capabilities, arguing that the very notion of being on the verge of destruction by a terrorist group signifies a massive failure. The journalist dismisses Netanyahu's claims about Iran possessing nuclear bombs at the time as untrue and irrelevant to the core issue of security responsibility.

The article highlights Caspit's view that even a combined attack by Hezbollah and Hamas would not have led to Israel's destruction, though it could have caused a significant catastrophe. He emphasizes that Israel's true strength lies in its citizens' willingness to defend the country, citing the actions of volunteers who filled security gaps on October 7th before the IDF could respond.

Caspit labels Netanyahu the "architect of the catastrophe," accusing him of allowing Hamas and Hezbollah to grow stronger while promising to dismantle them. He then turns his attention to journalist Inyon Magal, who reportedly demanded that victims' families apologize to Netanyahu for blaming him for the hostage situation. Caspit expresses disbelief at Magal's statements, noting that families like the Bibas and Kedem were among those targeted.

Ultimately, Caspit asserts that the idea of victims apologizing to the person they deem responsible for their loss is the most significant development. He argues that Netanyahu consistently positions himself as a victim, despite his long tenure and alleged failures in security, including allowing hundreds of millions of dollars to flow to Hamas from Qatar. Caspit concludes that the responsibility for October 7th cannot be shifted onto the victims, stating that Netanyahu neglected not only the hostages but the entire country.