Israeli Army Admits Failures in Hamas Attack Probe, Pressures Netanyahu/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel’s military has acknowledged critical failures that allowed Hamas to carry out its devastating Oct. 7 attack, stating that intelligence misjudgments and inadequate preparations left Israel vulnerable. The military report, released Thursday, could increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to authorize a broader inquiry into the government’s role in the events leading up to the attack. While military chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi took responsibility, Netanyahu has avoided accountability, despite demands from victims’ families and political opponents. The report’s findings may reshape Israeli defense strategy and political dynamics in the months ahead.
Israel Military Probe Quick Looks
- Israeli military admits failures, saying it misjudged Hamas’ intentions and underestimated its capabilities.
- Report confirms intelligence failures, including misreading Hamas’ military strength and ignoring warning signs.
- Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi takes responsibility, but Netanyahu resists broader investigation.
- Hamas had over 60 attack routes, far more than Israel’s initial estimate of eight.
- Israeli response was delayed, with Hamas killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
- Report recommends reforms, including new intelligence units to prevent surprise attacks.
Deep Look: Israeli Army Acknowledges Intelligence Failures in Hamas Attack
The Israeli military released a report Thursday, admitting serious miscalculations that enabled Hamas to launch its deadliest-ever attack on October 7, 2023. The findings highlight intelligence failures, operational gaps, and misjudgments about Hamas’ capabilities and intentions—raising questions about government accountability and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.
Military Misjudged Hamas’ Intentions and Strength
According to the report, Israeli intelligence wrongly believed Hamas was more focused on governance than military aggression. The army assumed that Hamas lacked the capacity for a large-scale invasion, estimating that no more than eight border points could be breached. In reality, Hamas had planned over 60 attack routes and had attempted the assault three times prior, delaying for unknown reasons.
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Israel’s chief of staff, acknowledged the military’s shortcomings, stating:
“I was the commander of the military on October 7th, and I have my own responsibility. I also carry the weight of all your responsibility.”
Failures in Early Warnings and Response Time
The report also revealed that there were signs of an imminent attack, including Hamas militants switching their phones to the Israeli network hours before the assault. Despite this, no immediate action was taken.
When Hamas launched its attack:
- Thousands of heavily armed fighters breached the border fence, flying in on paragliders and disabling surveillance cameras.
- Israel’s forces were overwhelmed, leaving Hamas fighters unchecked for hours in border communities.
- Within the first three hours, most of the 1,200 deaths and 251 hostage abductions occurred.
The chaos led to friendly fire incidents, further complicating the Israeli response. It took days for Israel to fully clear the area of militants.
Netanyahu Faces Growing Pressure for Inquiry
While the military has accepted responsibility, Netanyahu has resisted calls for a broader government-led investigation. Critics argue that his long-term strategy of managing Hamas rather than eliminating it contributed to the attack’s scale.
“Oct. 7 was a complete failure,” said an Israeli military official.
Netanyahu’s strategy included:
- Allowing Qatari cash payments to Hamas, believing economic stability would reduce aggression.
- Marginalizing the Palestinian Authority, weakening alternative leadership in Gaza.
- Delaying preemptive action, even as intelligence suggested Hamas was preparing for war.
Families of victims and hostages have demanded an independent commission of inquiry, but Netanyahu insists he will address the issue only after the war ends.
Proposed Military Reforms
The military’s report outlined several recommendations to prevent future intelligence failures, including:
- Special intelligence units to monitor militant activity and unconventional threats.
- Increased skepticism in military assessments, encouraging broader analysis of enemy strategies.
- Faster response protocols, ensuring military readiness even during holidays and weekends.
While the report does not single out individual officers for blame, it is expected to trigger a restructuring within the Israeli defense establishment.
What Comes Next?
With public anger rising and military leadership acknowledging failure, Netanyahu faces increased pressure to act. The government must now decide whether to initiate a broader inquiry—or risk deepening political divisions.
As Israel prepares for long-term military engagement in Gaza, the lessons of October 7 will likely shape Israeli defense policies for years to come.
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