Full Breakdown
Netanyahu Faces Accusations of Deception Over October 7 Hamas Attack
2/10/2026, 4:15:10 PM
Allegations of False Narratives
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has publicly accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fabricating a false narrative regarding the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In a Channel 12 interview, Gallant labeled Netanyahu “a liar,” asserting that the prime minister is attempting to evade responsibility for the attack by misrepresenting events and manipulating discussions from security meetings. Gallant claimed that Netanyahu has turned government ministers against Israel’s security chiefs while they were actively engaged in combat against Hamas. He stated, “Netanyahu stabbed them in the back and stirred up all the government ministers against them.”
Gallant specifically criticized Netanyahu's assertion that delays in military operations were due to fears among IDF leadership, arguing instead that they were caused by logistical issues related to ammunition supplies. He emphasized that Netanyahu’s priorities lie with himself and his government, rather than the nation.
Netanyahu's Defense and Controversial Document
In response to the accusations, Netanyahu released a 55-page document detailing his answers to State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman as part of an investigation into the October 7 attack. The document has been criticized for selectively quoting discussions from cabinet meetings, which critics argue distorts the reality of the situation. Gallant contended that Netanyahu’s narrative is engineered to shift blame onto political rivals and security officials, including Gallant himself.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid echoed Gallant's sentiments, accusing Netanyahu of falsifying security protocols to deflect blame. He described the document as a “forgery” and claimed it misrepresents the recommendations made by security officials prior to the attack. Lapid highlighted that intelligence warnings about Hamas’s preparations for conflict were ignored, asserting that Netanyahu prioritized diplomatic relations over security.
Criticism from Former Allies
Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot also criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of constructing a “fabricated defense” in his response to the comptroller’s investigation. Eisenkot stated that Netanyahu’s selective use of confidential meeting minutes undermines the integrity of the investigation and misrepresents the decisions made by the security establishment.
Benny Gantz, another former defense minister, described Netanyahu’s document as a “rewriting of history,” asserting that he was present during key discussions where Netanyahu chose not to pursue aggressive actions against Hamas. Gantz emphasized that Netanyahu has consistently deflected responsibility for failures while taking credit for successes.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The controversy surrounding Netanyahu's actions and the subsequent accusations from former allies and opposition leaders have raised questions about accountability and transparency within the Israeli government. Calls for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack have been met with resistance from Netanyahu, who has proposed a political inquiry instead.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these accusations may significantly impact Netanyahu's standing in upcoming elections, with many viewing the situation as a referendum on his leadership and decision-making regarding national security. The ongoing investigations and public discourse surrounding the October 7 attack will likely shape the narrative as Israel navigates its complex political and security challenges.
