Netanyahu Backtracks on Security Claims After Criticism

In a late-night tweet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced backlash after denying prior warnings of a Hamas attack, which he later retracted with an apology. Netanyahu’s original tweet, asserting no warnings had been given about Hamas’ intentions, came under fire, prompting a rare public disagreement within his government and criticism from opposition leaders and security officials. The tweet followed a joint press conference with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz and amid the backdrop of a war in which over 1,400 Israelis, most of them civilians, were killed following a Hamas incursion.

Netanyahu’s post was deleted nine hours later, and he acknowledged the error, affirming his support for the security forces.