Agriculture Minister Dichter Calls October 7 Massacre a Severe Intelligence Failure, Defends West Bank Policies
Avi Dichter, Agriculture Minister and member of Israel's security cabinet, described the October 7 massacre as the most tragic event in Israel's history, citing a severe intelligence and operational failure. Speaking on Kan News on October 9, Dichter said the political leadership had limited capacity to respond, even less than during the Yom Kippur War. He emphasized that the massacre was unrelated to the West Bank and instead linked to Hamas in Gaza, which had long built its capabilities. Dichter criticized the 2005 disengagement from Gaza, which connected Gaza to Egypt, calling it a mistake he warned against as then-head of Shin Bet. He noted that Hamas received weapons from Iran through Sudan and Egypt, enabling the October 7 attack.
Dichter also commented on former US President Donald Trump's peace plan, calling it "filthy" and ineffective because it focused on dismantling Hamas's heavy weapons, while the October 7 attack was carried out with light and medium arms not covered by the agreement. He claimed that Israel's full military response in Gaza gave Trump leverage to secure the release of hostages.
Ahead of upcoming elections, Dichter criticized former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, likening him to a chameleon with many colors and warning he would pay a political price. On Defense Minister Israel Katz's live announcement of Central Command Chief Avi Blot's dismissal, Dichter urged for internal resolution and public clarity, emphasizing the military's focus on more serious challenges and rejecting politicization of the IDF.
Regarding Jewish terrorism in the West Bank, Dichter cautioned against generalizations, noting that Jewish leadership condemns such acts. He referenced a recent tragic incident in Kfar Tal, where provocations by some Israelis led to Palestinian attacks and deaths of two Israeli soldiers. Dichter condemned incitement by Palestinian figures calling for violence against settlers. He asserted that Israelis should not apologize for expanding Jewish settlements or farming in the West Bank and stressed the government's determination to prevent Palestinian takeover of Area C and accelerate agricultural development to protect the land.
Dichter's remarks reflect ongoing tensions over security, settlement expansion, and political divisions within Israel amid the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and upcoming elections.
