Israeli Army Chief Herzi Halevi acknowledged that military and intelligence failures preceding the October 7, 2023, attack could have been prevented. He stated that these systemic shortcomings contributed to the severity of the assault.
In a separate admission, Herzi Halevi addressed the conduct of operations in Gaza. He confirmed that Israeli airstrikes in the territory resulted in the deaths of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. These statements arrive as official scrutiny continues regarding the initial response to the October 7, 2023, events. Herzi Halevi noted that the military is reviewing its intelligence and combat procedures to address the lapses identified during the conflict. His comments provide an account of internal military failures and the consequences for those held in captivity.
Strategic Failures and Miscalculations
Israeli security estimates incorrectly prioritized Iran and Hezbollah, leading to a belief that Hamas did not want a wide-scale war. Officials held these assessments based on the conviction that the group sought to avoid a major conflict in the region. Internal reviews indicated that the focus remained on other fronts while the threat level from the Gaza Strip was evaluated through this specific lens. Consequently, the defense establishment operated under the assumption that Hamas had no intention of launching an offensive of the scale witnessed on 7 October 2023. These strategic evaluations influenced the allocation of resources and the posture of forces along the border. Shin Bet and other military intelligence agencies relied on these analytical frameworks when determining the operational risks. The resulting miscalculation meant that tactical warnings were interpreted as localized activities rather than signs of an imminent, large-scale operation.
Investigation Into Security Lapses
Herzi Halevi requested the establishment of an official investigation committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the 7 October 2023 attack. This proposed body is intended to provide a formal accounting of the security lapses and the chain of events that preceded the infiltration.
Addressing rumors of internal security breaches, Herzi Halevi denied that any form of treason assisted Hamas during the 7 October 2023 operation. He rejected allegations that military personnel or intelligence officials acted in collaboration with the attackers to facilitate the breach of the border.
Three years have passed since the 7 October 2023 attack without any investigations confirming that members of the Israeli security establishment engaged in collaboration with Hamas. Official reviews conducted throughout this period have not identified evidence of internal collusion. The records maintained by military and civilian authorities remain consistent on this point, showing no link between personnel and the militant group.
