The Israeli military says it is preparing an investigation into failures connected with the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing war against the Islamic militant group. The army’s chief spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said Friday that the military is still planning the investigation. But he said it would include a look at the chain of command, decision making and former officials.
Quick Read
- Investigation Announcement: The Israeli military announced plans to conduct an investigation into the failures associated with the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, which escalated into the ongoing war against the Islamic militant group.
- Scope of Investigation: Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief spokesperson for the army, indicated that the investigation would review the chain of command, decision-making processes, and the roles of former officials.
- Objective of the Investigation: The primary aim of the investigation is to improve the army’s effectiveness and readiness. It is not intended to substitute for any potential external investigations.
- Details of the Attack: On Oct. 7, a large number of Hamas militants attacked, crossing the border into Israel. They invaded nearly two dozen Israeli communities and army bases, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and taking 250 hostages. This incident marked the deadliest attack of its kind in Israel’s history.
- Criticism of Israeli Leadership: The Israeli military, intelligence, and political leaders have faced significant criticism for their lack of preparedness in anticipating and responding to the attack.
- Prime Minister’s Stance: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted calls for an immediate investigation, arguing that the focus should remain on the ongoing war, with inquiries to follow later.
- Internal Disagreement: A report from the public broadcaster Kan highlighted a recent Security Cabinet meeting where four hard-line Cabinet ministers vocally opposed the army commander in chief’s plans for the investigation, leading to the meeting’s disruption.
The associated Press has the story:
Israeli Military says it will investigate failures connected to Oct. 7 attack
Newslooks- JERUSALEM — (AP)
The Israeli military says it is preparing an investigation into failures connected with the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing war against the Islamic militant group.
The army’s chief spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said Friday that the military is still planning the investigation. But he said it would include a look at the chain of command, decision making and former officials.
He said the investigation aims “to improve the army” and is not meant to replace any future external investigations.
On Oct. 7, several thousand Hamas militants stormed across the border and invaded nearly two dozen Israeli communities and army bases, killing some 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage. It was the worst such attack in Israel’s history.
Israeli military, intelligence and political leaders have come under heavy criticism for being caught off guard.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far rejected calls for an investigation, saying the government must focus on the war and answer questions later.
The public broadcaster Kan reported earlier that a Security Cabinet meeting late Thursday broke up after four hard-line Cabinet minister shouted at the army’s commander in chief because they opposed his plans for the investigation.
