Former IDF Chief Accuses Netanyahu of Ignoring Pre-Attack Warnings

Former Israeli Defence Forces chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, now leader of the Yashar party, contends that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received “dozens of warnings” about an imminent Hamas operation and failed to act. Eisenkot characterizes the resulting October 7 assault as a disaster that Israel was led into “blindly.” He asserts that Netanyahu’s inner circle is promoting a “pathetic conspiracy theory” that the prime minister was not warned, suggesting the narrative is intended to evade responsibility.

Times of Israel

A report cited by Eisenkot indicates that the United Arab Emirates’ capital Abu Dhabi warned the prime minister of Hamas plans “days before” the October 7 attack. The source does not confirm the content of the warning, but Eisenkot uses it to support his claim that actionable intelligence was available.

Times of Israel

Eisenkot proposes that, once a new government is formed, a state commission of inquiry be established. The commission’s remit would be to examine the past decade, determine what Netanyahu knew and did not know, and “prevent the next disaster.” This proposal is presented as a direct response to the alleged failure to heed prior warnings.

Times of Israel

Eisenkot frames his accusations as a call for accountability, positioning the inquiry as a mechanism to clarify responsibility and influence future leadership decisions. By linking the alleged ignored warnings to the October 7 event, he seeks to shape public perception of Netanyahu’s fitness for office and to mobilize support for his own political platform.

Times of Israel