Former Navy Commander Reveals Concealed Failures and Hamas Naval Threat in October Attack
Retired Brigadier General Oren Solomon, who led the Israeli Navy's post-war investigation into the October 7 attacks, revealed that a significant naval assault by Hamas was largely hidden from the public. While attention focused on the ground invasion and thousands of militants entering Israel, Solomon disclosed that Hamas deployed a sophisticated maritime force including commandos, fast boats, and unmanned submarines loaded with explosives targeting Israeli gas rigs and strategic infrastructure.
At 6:30 a.m. on October 7, seven fast boats carrying about 45 militants launched from Gaza, each assigned different missions. Two boats aimed to attack an Israeli gas platform, others targeted energy facilities, and one reached Zikim beach, where militants massacred civilians. Solomon warned that a successful strike on the gas rig could have caused a catastrophic disaster. Later that day, the Israeli Navy intercepted an unmanned explosive submarine sent by Hamas, which Solomon said could have destroyed half of Ashkelon if it had detonated.
Solomon criticized the Navy's official investigations for obscuring the full picture and disproportionately blaming field commanders while protecting senior officers. He highlighted the case of Ashdod base commander Colonel Eitan Paz, who independently raised alert levels despite orders to maintain routine, only to be removed from his post after the attacks while higher-ranking officials remained. Solomon accused the Navy of withholding critical intelligence and creating a narrative that shifted responsibility downward.
He noted that a committee led by retired Major General Sami Turgeman harshly criticized and rejected the Navy’s investigation for failing professional standards. Solomon concluded by warning against partial lessons learned and cover-ups, stressing the need for full transparency to prevent future disasters. "If we do not deeply understand and present the complete picture, these events could recur," he said.
Summary: Retired Brigadier General Oren Solomon exposed a concealed Hamas naval attack during the October 7 assault, revealing advanced maritime threats and criticizing the Israeli Navy's incomplete investigations and accountability. He warned that a successful Hamas strike on Israeli gas infrastructure could have caused massive casualties and called for full transparency to prevent future disasters.
