developing· Security· Updated 12:02

Netanyahu Refused Gaza Air Strikes Weeks Before Oct. 7, Report Says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a proposal from former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar to conduct aerial assassinations of Hamas targets in Gaza three weeks before the October 7, 2023 attack. The proposal was made during a meeting on September 13, 2023, amidst heightened security tensions and riots along the Gaza border fence.

3 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 08:08

Plus

What happened

01Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a proposal to conduct aerial assassinations of Hamas targets in Gaza three weeks before October 7, 2023.
02Former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar proposed the targeted strikes during a security meeting on September 13, 2023.
03Netanyahu reportedly stated that airstrikes in Gaza would only be an option in the event of a terrible attack.
04Simultaneously, Netanyahu directed efforts to provide economic benefits to Hamas in exchange for maintaining quiet.
05The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories met with Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi to advance the economic agreement.
06The details emerged following a multi-million shekel lawsuit filed by Ronen Bar against Netanyahu over ignored security warnings.
07Bar claims in his lawsuit that he warned Netanyahu almost weekly of escalating threats before the October 7 massacre.
08The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the report.

During the meeting, Netanyahu reportedly asked about assassination options, and Bar responded that targets could be eliminated in their Gaza offices. Netanyahu allegedly replied that airstrikes in Gaza would only be considered in the event of a terrible attack, and that otherwise, a limited action was preferable.

Simultaneously, Netanyahu instructed the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories to advance economic benefits for the terrorist organization Hamas in exchange for maintaining calm. Following these directives, the coordinator met with Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi to advance an agreement.

These details, reported by Channel 12, emerged following a multi-million shekel lawsuit filed by Ronen Bar against Netanyahu. In the lawsuit, Bar claims he warned the Prime Minister almost weekly about a potential multi-front conflict in the months leading up to the October 7 massacre. Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the report.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 13:21

Latest report: Mako. Read Mako’s original