Ex-PM Aide Breaks Silence, Citing 'Criminal Pattern' of Deception
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Former Military Secretary Avi Gil has broken his silence, alleging a "criminal pattern" of deception and manipulation surrounding the events leading to the October 7th attack. Gil, who served under multiple prime ministers, claims he possesses real-time documentation that will be vital for future investigations. He described a strained relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu, including an incident where Netanyahu questioned his actions based on a directive Netanyahu himself had given. Gil also stated that security chiefs recommended offensive actions against Hamas leaders, which were not approved, and alleged that Netanyahu's chief of staff altered a critical document from the morning of the attack. The Likud party has dismissed Gil's claims as a political smear campaign.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Military Secretary Avi Gil alleges a "criminal pattern" of deception regarding the October 7th attack.
- Gil claims to have real-time documentation crucial for future investigations into the failures.
- He described a strained relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu, including a directive dispute.
- Security chiefs recommended offensive actions against Hamas leaders that were not approved, Gil stated.
- Gil alleged Netanyahu's chief of staff altered a critical document from the morning of October 7th.
- The Likud party called Gil's interview a "false and political propaganda campaign."
Former Military Secretary to the Prime Minister, Maj. Gen. (res.) Avi Gil, has broken his silence after three years, citing a "criminal pattern" of lies and manipulation surrounding the events leading up to and following the October 7th Hamas attack. Gil, who served under Prime Ministers Bennett, Lapid, and Netanyahu, stated he decided to speak out because "there are too many lies in the air" and that "the public deserves to know the truth." He expressed disappointment that a state commission of inquiry has not been established and believes it is unlikely to happen.
Gil described his decision to grant extensive interviews after months of refusal as being driven by his conscience, stating that the "mountain of lies, half-truths, and systematic trampling" had reached a breaking point. He anticipates a backlash but insists his motivation is for the good of the country, not personal gain, and that he was prompted by families of fallen soldiers and former hostages.
During his tenure, Gil was privy to sensitive intelligence and was the primary liaison between the Prime Minister and the defense establishment. He meticulously documented events in real-time, a practice he maintained throughout his 35-year military career. He believes his records will be crucial for any future investigation into the failures preceding October 7th.
Gil detailed his interactions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, noting that Netanyahu expressed a desire to replace him shortly after taking office. He recounted a specific incident in February 2024 where Netanyahu questioned his visit to former Prime Minister Yair Lapid's home, which Gil explained was done under Netanyahu's own directive to provide Lapid with updates. This event, Gil believes, marked a point of no return in their relationship and accelerated efforts to replace him.
He also addressed the period before the war, describing how Netanyahu seemed to believe that security officials were acting against him personally and politically, dismissing warnings about national resilience and potential threats. Gil stated that Netanyahu was aware of the intelligence assessments but seemed to interpret them through a lens of personal persecution, particularly regarding the judicial overhaul protests. He also noted that Netanyahu prioritized normalization with Saudi Arabia over other security concerns.
Gil refuted claims that security officials were solely responsible for the failures of October 7th, emphasizing that the Prime Minister bears ultimate responsibility. He also revealed that the Shin Bet and IDF chiefs had repeatedly recommended offensive actions against Hamas leaders, including Sinwar and Dahf, but these were not approved due to concerns about escalation and the ongoing pursuit of normalization with Saudi Arabia. Gil also alleged that Netanyahu's chief of staff altered a stenographic record of a crucial call on the morning of October 7th to change the reported time, a move Gil described as criminal and potentially indicative of a deliberate effort to shape the narrative.
In response, the Likud party issued a statement calling Gil's interview a "false and political propaganda campaign" aimed at toppling the right-wing government. They presented intelligence reports suggesting Hamas was deterred and seeking normalization, and that Netanyahu was not forewarned of the attack. The party asserted that Netanyahu was the one who insisted on a ground operation in Gaza and has been instrumental in achieving significant security successes.
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