Ex-IDF Chief Halevi: Oct. 7 Was Avoidable Failure, Our Bombs Killed Hostages
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi described the October 7 attack as an "avoidable failure" and revealed that IDF bombs killed Israeli hostages. He stated that military pressure in Gaza was crucial for hostage recovery and dismissed claims of betrayal. Halevi emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the events and noted that Hamas actively worked to create a false sense of security in Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former IDF Chief Herzi Halevi called the October 7 attack an "avoidable failure."
- Halevi confirmed that IDF bombs killed some Israeli hostages in Gaza.
- He stated that military pressure in Gaza was necessary for hostage recovery.
- Halevi dismissed the idea of betrayal on October 7.
- He stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the events.
- Halevi noted Hamas's efforts to mislead Israel about its intentions.
Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi stated that the October 7, 2023, attack was an "avoidable failure." He revealed that Israeli hostages were killed by bombs dropped by the IDF in Gaza. Halevi made these remarks at an anti-Semitism conference in New York on Sunday.
He asserted that military pressure in Gaza was essential for the return of hostages, contrary to some beliefs. Halevi dismissed the notion of "betrayal" on October 7, emphasizing that the political leadership should clarify this. He stated his detailed knowledge of the events and expressed confidence that no colleagues would assist Hamas, citing the lack of evidence for a widespread network of collaborators.
Halevi stressed the importance of Israel conducting a thorough investigation and asking difficult questions, similar to the IDF's internal process, to learn from the failure. He noted that the IDF had to persuade the political echelon to operate in Gaza, moving beyond small-scale operations relying solely on airstrikes.
He explained that the IDF's initial prioritization was Iran, then Hezbollah, and finally Hamas, as they did not anticipate Hamas's intentions for such an attack. The prevailing assessment within the security and political establishments was that Hamas did not desire war, aiming instead to manage Gaza and potentially control the West Bank, an assumption Hamas actively encouraged.
Halevi described Yahya Sinwar's efforts to surprise Israel and attack simultaneously, noting that Sinwar was confident Israel would not act in Gaza due to its complex nature. He also revealed a message sent to Hezbollah in the final hours of October 7, warning of a devastating response if they made any move.
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