According to investigations, at 2:30 a.m. on October 7, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army (IDF) Herzi Halevi called Major General Oded Basyuk – head of the Department of Operations – and Major General Yaron Finkelman – Commander of the Military Region. South to discuss information recently collected by Military Intelligence and the Internal Security Agency (Shin Bet). However, Mr. Haliva did not participate in the discussion for an unclear reason and was considered responsible for the mistake that led to the surprise attack by Hamas just a few hours later.
IDF Military Intelligence Commander Aharon Haliva in Tel Aviv, November 4, 2022. Photo: jpost.com
Although Military Intelligence has detected signs of Hamas conducting exercises close to the border and has assessed the scenario of this movement penetrating through the fence to launch a single attack on Israel, the agency determined the probability is low and the attack is low. This exercise is only routine like the previous months.
Intelligence officials are also said to have had no strategic warning about war, failed to recognize the possibility of a large-scale attack on multiple fronts, and the intention to attack multiple areas simultaneously. settled. Notably, after the phone call, Israeli security and intelligence leaders eliminated the possibility of a single infiltration attack.
Major General Aharon Haliva himself is also aware of his responsibility for the incident. Immediately after the attack on October 7, he also expressed that remaining in office was only a “borrowed” period of time to participate in resolving the consequences of the attack as well as avoid causing chaos in public affairs. cooperation of this agency.
On the same day, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a “special situation assessment” meeting with the heads of the army, the Secret Intelligence Agency (Mossad) and the Internal Security Agency (Shin Bet). about efforts to exchange more hostages with Hamas.
Mr. Gallant said forces are making every effort to rescue women and children kidnapped by armed movements in the Gaza Strip. However, he also instructed the air force, navy and ground forces to be ready for a new war “immediately”.
In related developments, on the evening of November 29, the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip handed over 10 Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This is the final exchange in the agreement to extend the ceasefire for another 2 days to release 20 more Israeli hostages for 60 Palestinian prisoners.