Minister Chikli Criticizes Security Establishment's Pre-Oct. 7 Conduct
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli criticized Israel's security establishment for focusing on policy and statesmanship instead of military duties before the October 7th attack. He stated that military leaders effectively controlled the agenda and that intelligence agencies were involved in preventing escalation. Chikli also criticized COGAT and the National Security Council for their roles in policy formulation and assessments prior to the attack.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Amichai Chikli criticized the security establishment's pre-Oct. 7 focus on policy over professional duties.
- Chikli stated military leaders effectively dictated the agenda before the Hamas attack.
- He claimed intelligence agencies were involved in policy and preventing escalation, not enemy capabilities.
- The minister criticized COGAT for policy formulation and a long-term ceasefire plan with Hamas.
- Chikli asserted that the National Security Council lacked strength and failed to challenge military assessments.
Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli has sharply criticized the conduct of the security establishment in the lead-up to the October 7th Hamas attack, asserting that military officials were preoccupied with policy-making rather than their professional duties. Speaking at a conference hosted by the 6:29 Institute at the Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem, Chikli stated that prior to October 7th, the military leadership effectively dictated the agenda. He argued that the political echelon struggled to counter the professional assessments presented to them, a situation that shifted after the war began. Chikli contended that intelligence agencies, which should focus on enemy intentions and military capabilities, instead engaged in policy matters and efforts to prevent escalation. "There is a complete confusion here between statesmanship and engaging in the military profession," he declared. The minister also directed criticism at the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), whom he accused of being a central player in policy formulation and presenting a plan for a long-term ceasefire with Hamas. "I am not accusing him of collaboration, but they were misled," Chikli emphasized. He concluded by stating that Shin Bet, Aman (Military Intelligence Directorate), and the Gaza Division were all "busy being statesmen." Chikli added that the National Security Council also lacked sufficient strength before the attack and should have challenged the military system's assessments.