Channel 12 Report Reveals Netanyahu Ignored Defense Warnings Prior to October 7
A Channel 12 investigation reveals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored multiple urgent warnings from top defense officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, months prior to the October 7 attacks.
Netanyahu Warned Prior to October 7 Attacks, Channel 12 Investigation Reveals
A special investigative report broadcasted on Channel 12's "Central Edition" by Yaron Avraham has revealed a series of warning letters, confidential documents, and testimonies detailing how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was repeatedly cautioned by top defense officials in the months leading up to the October 7, 2023 onslaught.
The report uncovers a March 21, 2023 letter from then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who warned against the erosion of deterrence and noted that "enemies across all arenas perceive an opportunity to accelerate a process that, in their view, will ultimately lead to Israel's collapse." Halevi requested an urgent discussion with the Prime Minister and top generals, but the meeting never took place.
Dismissal of Warnings and Internal Friction
Furthermore, the investigation exposed Netanyahu's reaction to another warning letter sent by Halevi on July 23, cautioning against entering a dangerous strategic path. Netanyahu reportedly reacted with anger, stating: "It's not us! Let them talk to those at Kaplan." Exactly one month before the massacre, on September 7, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant sent a seven-page letter warning that the escalation of the internal crisis "deepens the erosion of Israel's image among our enemies and severely damages deterrence."
The report details the deep suspicion with which Netanyahu received these security warnings. Sources in his inner circle claimed he suspected they were part of "an attempt to thwart the reform and bring down the government." Netanyahu repeatedly rejected requests for urgent joint meetings with the IDF Chief of Staff, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and Mossad Director David Barnea. During a General Staff forum, he reportedly lashed out at the generals, saying: "I allocate 80 billion shekels a year to you, and you are staging a mutiny against me."
Unreleased Draft Statement and Public Outcry
The investigation also revealed a draft statement prepared by spokesman Topaz Luk on the night of Gallant's dismissal on March 26, which was ultimately never published. The draft stated that Netanyahu had decided "to freeze the recent moves planned until after the national holidays—both regarding the judicial reform and the continuation of the Defense Minister's tenure," alongside an announcement of opening dialogue. However, Netanyahu hesitated, and the statement was shelved.
Following the publication of the letters and testimonies, public relations figure Rany Rahav published an unprecedented and sharp rebuke against the Prime Minister and coalition members on social media.
"Benjamin Netanyahu, following the Channel 12 exposé, get up and resign! You have blood on your hands! Shame! The entire nation now understands why you refuse to establish a state commission of inquiry."
Rahav also attacked Yariv Levin, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, and Simcha Rothman, labeling them responsible for the October 7 catastrophe.
