Netanyahu Refused Gaza Air Strikes Weeks Before Oct. 7, Report Says
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly refused a proposal from then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar for air strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza three weeks before the October 7th attack. During the same period, Netanyahu authorized economic concessions to Hamas for maintaining quiet. These revelations come as Bar has filed a lawsuit against Netanyahu, detailing alleged ignored warnings about an impending escalation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected air strikes in Gaza proposed by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar three weeks before Oct. 7.
- Netanyahu reportedly stated air strikes would only be considered after a "terrible attack."
- Concurrently, Netanyahu authorized economic benefits for Hamas in exchange for quiet.
- The report emerges as former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar sues Netanyahu for millions.
- Bar's lawsuit claims he repeatedly warned Netanyahu of an impending multi-front escalation.
- The specific proposal for air strikes was not included in Bar's lawsuit.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a proposal from then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar for targeted air strikes against Hamas officials in Gaza just three weeks before the October 7th attack, according to a report. The meeting occurred on September 13, 2023, the day before Rosh Hashanah, amidst heightened tensions and riots along the Gaza border fence.
During the meeting, Netanyahu reportedly inquired about options for assassinations, to which Bar responded that targets could be neutralized within their offices in Gaza. However, Netanyahu allegedly stated that air strikes would only be considered in the event of a "terrible attack," preferring a "smaller" operation otherwise. Simultaneously, Netanyahu instructed officials to advance economic benefits for Hamas in exchange for quiet, a move that involved the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories meeting with Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi.
These details emerge as former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar has filed a multi-million shekel lawsuit against Netanyahu. Bar's lawsuit details alleged weekly warnings to the Prime Minister about a potential multi-front escalation in the months leading up to the October 7th massacre, with specific emphasis on Gaza and the High Holy Days. The lawsuit claims these warnings and proposed counter-terrorism initiatives were dismissed or ignored by Netanyahu.
Notably, the reported meeting and Bar's proposal for air strikes were not mentioned in Bar's lawsuit, despite its detailed account of events and warnings presented to the Prime Minister prior to the attack. Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the report.
Mentioned
