Netanyahu's Office Releases October 7th Morning Schedule Amidst Misinformation Claims

The Prime Minister's Office released the detailed schedule of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the morning of October 7th, 2023, in response to what the office termed "misleading publications." The timeline aims to clarify Netanyahu's activities and communications during the initial hours of the Hamas attack.

According to the published schedule, Netanyahu received his first update on the Hamas assault at 6:29 AM from the Military Secretary. He received a second update at 6:44 AM, during which he reportedly questioned the lack of prior intelligence and inquired about the necessity of a large-scale reserve mobilization and the possibility of eliminating Hamas leadership.

Netanyahu departed for the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv around 7:30 AM. En route, he spoke with the Defense Minister, who indicated that the situation was unclear. Netanyahu then instructed that a security assessment be convened at the Kirya. He arrived at the Kirya around 8:00 AM, with Shin Bet records placing his arrival at 8:22 AM.

Between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, Netanyahu received further intelligence and field updates. Notably, the Military Secretary received a situation assessment document, initially prepared by the Shin Bet chief at 5:15 AM, at 9:47 AM.

At 9:55 AM, Netanyahu chaired a security assessment meeting at the Kirya, attended by the Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, head of the Shin Bet, National Security Advisor, and others. During this meeting, Netanyahu ordered a complete sealing of the border to prevent hostages from being taken to Gaza and to stop further infiltrators. He rejected the IDF's recommendation for partial reserve mobilization, ordering a full call-up instead, and instructed the issuance of a war order and preparations for the northern front. Following the meeting, he held a smaller security consultation with the Defense Minister and the IDF Chief of Staff.