Netanyahu Rejected Hamas Assassination Plan Weeks Before Oct. 7

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a proposal to assassinate Hamas leaders in Gaza from the air just three weeks before the October 7th attacks, according to a report by Israel's Channel 12. The proposal was made by Ronen Bar, the former head of the Shin Bet security agency.

Instead of targeted assassinations, Netanyahu reportedly favored pursuing economic concessions for Hamas in exchange for maintaining calm, as part of an effort to reach understandings with the group. This approach was conveyed during a meeting with Bar on September 13, 2023, shortly before the Jewish High Holidays. During the meeting, Bar suggested targeting Hamas figures within their Gaza offices, but Netanyahu responded that aerial assassinations would only be considered if a "very serious attack" occurred, otherwise suggesting a "limited" approach.

Simultaneously, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Palestinian Territories, under Netanyahu's direction, was in contact with Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi to facilitate economic aid to Hamas in return for continued quiet in Gaza. These efforts to reach understandings with Hamas through economic means were ongoing while security tensions along the Gaza border were escalating.

The details of this rejected proposal were not included in a recent lawsuit filed by Ronen Bar against Netanyahu. Bar's lawsuit reportedly details warnings he conveyed to Netanyahu in the months leading up to October 7th, including near-weekly alerts about the potential for a multi-front conflict and specific dangers from Gaza during the holiday period. Bar claimed his warnings and proposals, including targeting Hamas leaders, were met with rejection or ignored.

Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the Channel 12 report.