Israel’s Netanyahu Criticizes Intel Chiefs Over Hamas, Then Apologizes

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu found himself in hot water on Sunday after criticizing his intelligence chiefs on social media, claiming they never informed him about Hamas’s plans for a large-scale attack on October 7. However, he later retracted his statement and issued an apology.

His remarks, posted at 1 a.m. on Sunday, sparked significant political backlash and created tension within his war cabinet. Netanyahu has faced increasing public criticism for avoiding accountability regarding intelligence and operational shortcomings related to Hamas’s assault on southern Israel.

While leading officials, including military leaders and the head of the Shin Bet domestic security service, have admitted their failures, Netanyahu has refrained from doing so. He stated that difficult questions, including those about his own decisions, would be addressed in due time after the conflict.

During a daily briefing, Israel’s military spokesperson declined to comment directly on Netanyahu’s remarks, emphasizing the current focus on the ongoing war.

Israeli officials have indicated that investigations into the events leading up to and during the Hamas attack will occur, but the primary attention remains on the conflict.

The now-deleted social media post from Netanyahu claimed, “At no time and no stage was a warning given to Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding war intentions of Hamas. On the contrary, all security officials, including the head of army intelligence and the head of the Shin Bet, estimated that Hamas was deterred and interested in an arrangement.”

Approximately 10 hours later, Netanyahu acknowledged his mistake in a follow-up post, stating: “I was wrong," and apologized for his earlier comments. He also expressed full support for the heads of the security branches.

Netanyahu’s initial remarks were met with swift criticism from both current and former allies. Benny Gantz, a former defense minister now part of Netanyahu’s war cabinet, urged him to retract his comments. Gantz emphasized that during wartime, leadership must demonstrate accountability and strengthen forces to fulfill their objectives.

The meticulously planned surprise attack by Hamas resulted in the deadliest assault in Israel’s 75-year history. In response, Israel has conducted intense airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and begun ground operations aimed at dismantling the Iran-supported Islamist group while working to secure the release of numerous individuals abducted from Israel to Gaza on October 7.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, a former prime minister, asserted that Netanyahu "crossed a red line" with his recent post, arguing that attempts to evade responsibility only served to undermine the Israel Defense Forces during their ongoing conflict.

Yossi Cohen, the former head of the Mossad spy agency under Netanyahu’s administration, remarked on Israel Radio that accountability begins from the outset of one’s responsibilities, not midway through a crisis.