The falsehoods and empty promises behind Netanyahu’s post-October 7 messaging

An opinion piece argues that every Netanyahu press conference is shadowed by a single question, whether he is telling the truth or repeating slogans. It says the first lie was ignoring the danger and dodging responsibility before the October 7 failure, even after warning signs and alerts showed an invasion had to be prevented. According to the article, Netanyahu instead said the situation was exaggerated and that things were fine, which the writer calls false.

The second lie, the article says, is pretending complex realities can be solved with simple promises. Rather than admit an incomplete, imperfect result, the writer says Netanyahu preferred to offer false assurances that Gaza would stop being a problem, that Hamas would surrender, and that Hezbollah would cease to exist.

The third lie concerns the repeated celebration of military achievements. The article says the bravery of the IDF, pilots, and fighters is real, and the military successes are significant, but there is still no victory because nothing was done diplomatically or politically. Military gains, it argues, were not translated into strategic achievement.

The piece says the alternative is to tell the truth: “I am responsible, and I am guilty of ignoring the warnings. Now, after October 7, we will do everything to prevent similar dangers. The result will not be perfect. And I am responsible for both the achievements and the failures.” It concludes that Netanyahu chose empty slogans over honesty.