Full Breakdown
Netanyahu Accused of Falsifying Security Protocols Following October 7 Attack
2/11/2026, 1:13:42 PM
Allegations of Manipulation and Responsibility Shifting
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing serious allegations regarding his handling of the events leading up to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 hostages. Following the attack, Netanyahu has been accused of attempting to deflect blame onto the security establishment, particularly targeting former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Netanyahu shared a post on social media that claimed Bar had falsified the agency's investigation and positioned himself as the "de facto prime minister" during the crisis.
The accusations intensified after Netanyahu released a 55-page document containing selective quotes from cabinet meetings, which he claimed illustrated his proactive stance against Hamas. However, critics argue that the document misrepresents the discussions and decisions made prior to the attack. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for a criminal investigation into Netanyahu's actions, asserting that the document constitutes a "forgery of security protocols" and violates the Official Secrets Law.
Background and Context
Netanyahu has served as prime minister since 2009, with a brief interruption from 2021 to 2022. His administration has been characterized by a controversial policy of allowing Qatari funds into Gaza, which he defended as necessary for maintaining peace. In the months leading up to the October 7 attack, intelligence reports indicated that Hamas was preparing for a large-scale offensive, a plan known as "Jericho's Walls," which Netanyahu has denied being aware of.
In the days before the attack, Netanyahu reportedly instructed his security chiefs to maintain a "quiet holiday period," emphasizing the importance of avoiding escalation with Hamas. This directive has come under scrutiny as it contrasts sharply with the urgent warnings from security officials about Hamas's preparations for combat.
Criticism and Opposition
Netanyahu's narrative has faced fierce opposition from former allies and political rivals. Yoav Gallant, the former defense minister, publicly labeled Netanyahu a "liar," accusing him of engineering a false narrative to evade responsibility for the security failures. Gallant criticized Netanyahu for selectively quoting discussions and manipulating the context of security assessments to shift blame onto others.
Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White party and former IDF chief of staff, echoed these sentiments, describing Netanyahu's document as a "rewriting of history." Gantz emphasized that he was present during key discussions where Netanyahu chose not to pursue aggressive actions against Hamas, contradicting the prime minister's claims of being thwarted by security chiefs.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the allegations, Netanyahu has maintained that he acted in the best interest of national security and has called for a national-state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack, which would allow his government to select its members. This proposal has been met with skepticism from opposition parties, who demand a fully independent state commission.
Lapid has argued that Netanyahu's attempts to shift blame are not only misleading but also harmful to Israel's ability to learn from the attack. He stated, "The problem is not that Netanyahu is lying. The fact that Netanyahu is lying is not exactly news. This is much more serious."
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Discrepancies exist regarding the intelligence Netanyahu received about Hamas's plans. While Netanyahu claims he was never briefed on the "Jericho's Walls" plan, reports indicate that he received detailed intelligence as early as 2018. The veracity of these claims is contested, with senior intelligence officials asserting that Netanyahu had access to critical information that he has since downplayed.
What's Next
As the political fallout continues, calls for a thorough investigation into the events surrounding October 7 are likely to intensify. The opposition is pushing for accountability, while Netanyahu's government seeks to navigate the growing scrutiny and maintain its narrative. The outcome of these developments will significantly impact Israel's political landscape and security policies moving forward.