Netanyahu’s Bombshell: Intelligence Lied About Hamas Attack
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack to intelligence failures, denying he was warned of the threat, and rejected claims that political motives have shaped his Gaza war strategy. In a video interview, he emphasized decisive leadership and a goal of total victory, aligning with a “peace through strength” approach.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released an eight-minute English-language video, hosted by his new international affairs adviser, Caroline Glick, to counter accusations that his government bears responsibility for Hamas’s October 7, 2023, massacre, which killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251. Netanyahu pointed to catastrophic intelligence failures, stating, “They said Hamas is deterred. They want workers, they want economic benefits, there’s no danger of an impending attack. And they said it again, and again, and again.” He claimed he was never shown the 2022 “Jericho’s Walls” Hamas plan outlining a large-scale invasion, which intelligence dismissed as non-threatening. A Shin Bet report confirmed missteps, noting Qatari funds to Gaza, approved by Netanyahu’s government, fueled Hamas’s buildup, despite warnings from former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman.
Netanyahu dismissed claims that internal divisions over his judicial overhaul weakened Israel, saying, “Don’t mistake our internal democratic debate. On the day of reckoning, if we are attacked, we shall all be there, left and right, and that’s exactly what happened.” Addressing allegations of prolonging the war for political survival, amid coalition tensions and a New York Times investigation, he asserted, “In all the key decisions of the war…I led them. They followed. I’m glad they did,” citing operations in Rafah, Hezbollah eliminations, and strikes on Iran. He rejected claims that politics hindered hostage talks, stating, “That’s ridiculous. I made hostage deals against my political partners in the coalition.” With 50 hostages still held, he denied prioritizing personal gain, insisting, “It’s not my personal political survival that I’m concerned with, but my country’s survival.”
Defining his Gaza strategy, Netanyahu declared, “It’s called victory, victory, victory.” He aligned with US President Donald Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine, stating, “First comes strength, then comes peace. That’s what’s going to happen.” Social media posts on X were divided, with one user noting, “Bibi’s deflecting blame, but the intelligence failure was massive.” The ongoing war since October 7th 2023 continues to fuel debate over Israel’s strategy and postwar plans