Netanyahu's Office Releases Timeline of October 7 Decisions

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released a detailed timeline of his actions on the morning of October 7, 2023. This publication, reported by Channel 14, is a response to what the government described as misleading information circulating in the media. According to the official account, Netanyahu received his first report of a large-scale attack from Gaza at 6:29 AM.

He received a second update at 6:44 AM, after which he proceeded to the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv. There, he conducted a security assessment with senior defense officials. During his commute, he spoke with the Defense Minister, who indicated a lack of clarity regarding the situation. Netanyahu instructed the minister to lead a security assessment in the "Pit," an underground command center.

Netanyahu arrived at the Kirya around 8:00 AM, with Shin Bet data placing his arrival at 8:22 AM. Earlier, at 6:44 AM, he had inquired about intelligence gaps, requested a check on the necessity of a broad reserve mobilization, and asked about the possibility of assassinating Hamas leaders. By 8:40 AM, the Defense Minister had convened the IDF Chief of Staff and the Shin Bet director for a situation assessment prior to their discussion with the Prime Minister.

Between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, Netanyahu received updated intelligence and real-time battlefield data. At 9:47 AM, the head of the Prime Minister's bureau received a situation assessment document that the Shin Bet director had held at 5:15 AM. At 9:55 AM, Netanyahu chaired a security meeting at the "Pit" with key defense and intelligence officials.

During this meeting, Netanyahu ordered a complete border closure to prevent hostage transfers and further terrorist infiltration. He rejected the IDF's recommendation for a partial reserve call-up, ordering a full mobilization instead, and directed the commencement of combat operations, including preparations for the northern front. The meeting concluded with limited security consultations with the Defense Minister and the IDF Chief of Staff.