Netanyahu Accused of Withholding Hamas Warnings Before Oct. 7 Attack
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of distorting information about Hamas's preparations for the October 7th attacks. Journalists found omissions in a document Netanyahu submitted to the State Comptroller, including a Shin Bet report from February 2023 detailing Hamas's military buildup. The report allegedly warned of Hamas developing a technologically advanced offensive force, contradicting official assessments. Netanyahu reportedly omitted these warnings because they highlighted the severity of the threat and the need for action.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Journalists accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of distorting information about Hamas's October 7th attack preparations.
- Omissions were found in a document Netanyahu submitted to the State Comptroller regarding the October 7th tragedy.
- A February 2023 Shin Bet report warning of Hamas's military buildup and precision capabilities was allegedly downplayed.
- Netanyahu reportedly omitted details about Hamas requiring Iranian support and increased personnel for its offensive capabilities.
- The Shin Bet report contradicted official assessments of successful deterrence against Hamas, according to the article.
- The Prime Minister allegedly excluded information demonstrating the severity of the threat and the need for a response.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly attempted to distort information regarding Hamas's preparations for the October 7th attacks, according to an investigation by the Ynet news portal. Journalists have uncovered new omissions in a 55-page document Netanyahu submitted to the State Comptroller on February 5, 2026, which he presented as his account of the October 7th tragedy.
Initially, Netanyahu described the document as a "full response," but he has since claimed it was only a portion cleared for publication. The document, compiled over 12 years, reportedly contains altered quotes and omitted warnings that contradicted the Prime Minister's narrative. Specifically, Netanyahu allegedly used only one sentence from a February 2023 Shin Bet report, leaving out critical warnings about Hamas's strengthening capabilities.
The Shin Bet report from February 19, 2023, detailed Hamas's military buildup and the creation of a "high-precision army." Journalists argue that the report's title alone should have raised alarms in Netanyahu's office. The report noted Hamas's investment in precision capabilities to compensate for a reduced ability to conduct ground raids into Israel due to the border fence.
However, Netanyahu reportedly omitted the latter part of the quote, which stated that Hamas required technological breakthroughs supported by Iran and a significant increase in personnel to enhance its military potential. Journalists emphasize that the Shin Bet did not consider the threat eliminated but warned of growing military capabilities. Netanyahu also allegedly excluded information about the qualitative enhancement of Hamas's offensive capabilities and its ability to launch high-precision strikes on strategic Israeli targets.
Authors Bergman and Rubovich believe the Shin Bet report warned Netanyahu about Hamas developing a technologically advanced offensive force, contradicting the official assessment of successful deterrence. They suggest the Prime Minister omitted this information because it demonstrated the severity of the threat and the need for a response. Previously, "Cursor" reported that Netanyahu received repeated warnings about the deteriorating security situation and the threat of escalation in the months leading up to the October 7th attack.
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