Netanyahu Skips Memorials, Likud Blames Media and Security Chiefs for Oct. 7

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and most Likud ministers did not attend memorial ceremonies on the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks. Instead, the ruling party released a lengthy statement attacking the media and then-security officials, accusing them of spreading falsehoods to undermine the right-wing government and establish a Palestinian state.

The Likud statement, also shared by Netanyahu, asserted that the Prime Minister received no prior warning of the Hamas attack, citing testimonies from figures like former President Trump and advisors to President Biden, as well as the governments of the UAE and Egypt. The party claimed that security officials repeatedly stated Hamas was deterred, focused on a settlement, and should be given humanitarian concessions to maintain quiet. This contradicted reporting by Ronen Bergman in Ynet, which highlighted omissions from official protocols submitted by Netanyahu to the State Comptroller, suggesting security officials had expressed concerns about potential escalation, particularly from Lebanon, and that Hamas sought stability.

The Likud further alleged that security officials saw warning signs on the morning of October 7th but failed to act, not updating police, emergency services, communities, soldiers, or festival attendees. They claimed that if Netanyahu had been updated in real-time, the outcome would have been different. The party also praised Netanyahu for his decision to pursue a ground operation in Gaza against international pressure and for his role in liberating hostages, eliminating leaders, and preventing Iran's nuclear armament.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot responded to the Likud's claims, accusing Netanyahu of attempting to falsify the truth and calling for a criminal investigation. Eisenkot stated that Netanyahu's actions, including alleged document manipulation and evasion of responsibility, make him unfit to lead. He criticized the attempts to rewrite history on the backs of the fallen and called on the Attorney General to launch an immediate and comprehensive criminal investigation.

Similarly, Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the Likud's statement, questioning Netanyahu's actions regarding intelligence warnings. Lapid cited a press conference he held on September 20th, Netanyahu's refusal on October 1st to launch a preemptive strike due to potential impact on Saudi normalization, and ignored warnings from the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence about escalation and Hamas's military buildup. Lapid concluded that Netanyahu, as head of the system, bears responsibility for the October 7th massacre.