Ex-Netanyahu Aide Blames PM for Oct. 7 Failures
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Former Military Secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Avi Gil, stated in a rare interview that Netanyahu bears responsibility for the October 7th failures, citing a "huge failure" of all systems and unheeded recommendations for action. Netanyahu's office countered that Gil also knew of the impending attack and failed to alert the Prime Minister. The interview sparked strong reactions from politicians, with some calling for investigations and others accusing Gil of a politically motivated smear campaign.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Military Secretary Avi Gil stated Prime Minister Netanyahu is responsible for the October 7th failures.
- Gil cited a "huge failure" of all systems and unheeded recommendations for action in Gaza.
- Netanyahu's office claimed Gil also knew of the attack and did not alert the Prime Minister.
- MK Avigdor Lieberman called for an investigation into Netanyahu for treason and conspiracy.
- Minister Yoav Kisch accused Gil of a politically motivated "fake campaign" ahead of elections.
- Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of deceiving the nation and endangering citizens' security.
Major General (res.) Avi Gil, who served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary on the morning of the October 7th attack, has spoken out for the first time in three years, detailing the dramatic events and the moment news of Hamas's surprise assault broke. In an interview with Yoav Limor and Danny Kushmaro, Gil stated that before leaving his post, he ensured all his notes were digitized and stored on a classified computer in Military Intelligence. He pledged to provide all his information and testimony to a state commission of inquiry upon its establishment.
Gil acknowledged a "huge failure" by "all systems," particularly the security apparatus, on October 7th, emphasizing that the Prime Minister was involved in discussions regarding prior warnings. "The Prime Minister met in these discussions. He heard it from the heads of the organizations. There were many discussions. Everything that was known to the security establishment was said," Gil recounted.
He also revealed that recommendations for "elimination operations" in Gaza were made but not acted upon. When asked about Netanyahu's responsibility for the October 7th massacre, Gil stated unequivocally, "Yes, he is responsible. I don't understand in what world one can disconnect the concept of leadership from the concept of responsibility." He drew parallels to his own military command experience, asserting that leadership inherently entails accountability.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's office responded, claiming Gil "knew about the approaching attack and chose not to wake the Prime Minister at the time." The statement further alleged that Gil's interviews are an attempt to obscure the "simple and painful truth about the failure in his role."
Following the interview, politicians reacted strongly. MK Avigdor Lieberman called for an immediate investigation into Netanyahu and his associates for treason and conspiracy, urging the IDF Chief of Staff to prevent the military's use for political purposes. Minister of Education Yoav Kisch accused the left of a "fake campaign" ahead of elections, claiming Gil's allegations were previously investigated and dismissed. Kisch suggested Gil's statements were a personal attempt to gain media attention and escape responsibility for his own wartime failures.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yesh" party, stated that while the government sent soldiers into a just war, Netanyahu "deceived, lied to, and betrayed the trust of an entire nation while endangering the security of its citizens."
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