Fleeing official probe, Netanyahu eyes private committee for Oct. 7
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Israeli media report delays in presenting the investigations into the October 7, 2023 events, as Prime Minister Netanyahu pushes for a "private committee of inquiry."
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in occupied al-Quds, on October 24, 2023. (AP)
The Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom quoted senior officials from the Israeli military as saying that there has been a significant delay in presenting the findings of the investigations into the events of October 7, 2023.
They emphasized that this delay persists although many of the investigations are already completed and have been submitted to lower-level officials, with some ready to be presented to the Israeli Chief of Staff.
The newspaper reported that "the Israeli army's official stance justifies the delay by citing the tense operational conditions in the north in recent months, referring specifically to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon."
Amid this, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is advocating for the creation of a private committee of inquiry into the failures of October 7, "to prevent the formation of an official state commission of inquiry," according to Israel Hayom.
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The newspaper cites informed sources on the proposal for a "private investigation committee," which would include a judge, representatives from the military, and family members of those killed or taken captive on October 7. The sources explained that committee members would be selected through an agreement between the coalition and the opposition, given the significant mistrust between the government and the judiciary.
In response, Knesset member Benny Gantz emphasized that "the greatest catastrophe since the establishment of Israel cannot be addressed by an unofficial committee, nor through any other new framework designed to avoid accountability."
He directly addressed Netanyahu, stating, “Enough with the fabrications, enough with the procrastination. Establishing an official commission of inquiry into the October disaster is your duty to the fallen, the bereaved families, the wounded, the prisoners, and all Israelis.”
Contrary to his claim, Netanyahu's office received intelligence early on October 7
Israeli media outlets published a summary of an in-depth investigation by security and intelligence journalist Ronen Bergman, confirming that Netanyahu's office received intelligence about the Gaza Strip hours before the October 7 attack.
The investigation revealed that "the army's findings contradict the statements of Netanyahu's office staff, who deny receiving any information before the attack" and that the security officer in Netanyahu's office began receiving alarming intelligence as early as 2:00 am on October 7.
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Meanwhile, the Israeli journalist revealed that the security officer who received the information was the same individual who was allegedly blackmailed with an "embarrassing" video by officials in Netanyahu's office, according to published reports.
The investigation also uncovered intelligence regarding the widespread use of Israeli communications chips in Gaza and the movement of Hamas' senior military leadership toward fortified areas, suggesting the possibility of an impending attack.
However, according to the Israeli journalist, all intelligence officials, including the Southern Command intelligence officer, believed that this information did not indicate a large-scale Hamas operation. Instead, they speculated it might have been related to training exercises or preparations to defend against a potential Israeli strike.
Shin Bet joins IOF in investigating October 7 failures
Last March, Israeli media reports indicated that the Israeli army and the Shin Bet considered opening investigations and conducting inquiries into the military failures on October 7 and the subsequent setbacks.
The military analyst of the Israeli Walla! website, Amir Bohbot, said estimations within the security and military establishment suggest that the investigation will trigger disputes among senior officials in the Israeli army regarding the narrative, investigations, data, and analysis of the events and decisions that led to October 7.
"Debates that may harm the functioning of the Israeli army as a whole," he added.
