Who Is To Blame for October 7 Failures? Civil Inquiry Releases Its Findings
An independent investigation points to critical governmental and military failures leading up to the deadly Hamas assault on southern Israel and calls for an official state inquiry into the attack
An independent commission formed by survivors and relatives of victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack released a scathing report on Tuesday, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top military officials of significant failures that left Israel unprepared for the assault. The Civil Commission of Inquiry of the Oct. 7 Disaster criticized the government’s decision-making processes and the military’s lack of preparedness, calling for an official state investigation.
The commission, established in July by victims’ families and massacre survivors, conducted a three-month inquiry involving approximately 120 testimonies from former prime ministers, defense chiefs, intelligence officials, and eyewitnesses. Led by retired Judge Varda Alshech, former Police Commissioner Shlomo Aharonishki, and other prominent figures, the panel aimed to fill the accountability void left by the government’s reluctance to initiate a formal investigation.
Governmental Failures and Decision-Making Breakdown
The report alleges that Netanyahu consistently undermined national security decision-making processes, creating a rift between political and military leadership. It asserts that this led to Israel’s unpreparedness for the Hamas-led incursion, the deadliest event in the nation’s history.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is responsible for undermining all decision-making hubs
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is responsible for undermining all decision-making hubs,” the report states. It accuses him of sidelining the security cabinet and the National Security Council, preventing serious discussions involving diverse opinions on significant security issues. The commission contends that this centralization of power within the Prime Minister’s Office hindered effective strategy formulation and response.
The report also criticizes the policy of funneling funds to Hamas, which it claims allowed the group to strengthen its position in the Gaza Strip over the past decade. Prior to October 7, Netanyahu’s government facilitated the transfer of millions in Qatari cash to Gaza in an effort to maintain a fragile cease-fire. The commission argues that this “money for quiet” approach was misguided and ignored warnings from intelligence and defense officials.
Military and Intelligence Shortcomings
Top military commanders were also faulted for reducing troop presence along the Gaza border, relying too heavily on technological surveillance rather than human and visual monitoring. The commission notes that despite obtaining Hamas’s attack plan, dubbed “Jericho Wall,” over a year before the assault, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were unprepared for the mass infiltration.
Arrogance is what led, according to various testimonies, to the fact that the IDF was not prepared for the massive invasion of Hamas terrorists into Israel, even though their plan was known
“Arrogance is what led, according to various testimonies, to the fact that the IDF was not prepared for the massive invasion of Hamas terrorists into Israel, even though their plan was known,” the report states.
The IDF’s Southern Command and Gaza Division were criticized for their response on the day of the attack, with the report describing their performance as a “miserable failure, to the point of collapse.” Soldiers in the field were allegedly left without backup or coordination with the Israel Police, and observation troops along the border were reportedly abandoned without proper defense equipment or protocols.
Calls for Official Inquiry and Accountability
The commission emphasized that its findings, while comprehensive, cannot replace a formal state investigation with the power to subpoena witnesses and access classified materials. At a press briefing in Tel Aviv, Alshech expressed hope that the government would establish its own inquiry.
We are the first committee that would be happy to be dissolved
“We are the first committee that would be happy to be dissolved,” she said. “Otherwise, we will never reach the truth, and we won’t be able to prevent the next October 7.”
Families of the victims echoed this sentiment. Hen Zander, a journalist whose sister Noa Zander was among those killed at the Nova Music Festival, said the inquiry’s findings “exposed many details that shook our world,” The New York Times reported. She added, “Our siblings and children would have died for nothing” if a full investigation is not conducted.
Broader Impact and Societal Response
The commission’s work highlights the frustration felt by many Israelis over the government’s refusal to hold itself accountable. In the aftermath of the attack, civil society groups stepped in to provide social support and psychological assistance, roles typically performed by the government.
The report also touches on the strained relationship between Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, suggesting that political discord negatively impacted national security. Additionally, it criticizes former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid for maintaining the “cash for quiet” policy during their tenures, albeit in different ways.
Opposition Leader Lapid responded to the findings, stating that while potential operations against Hamas were discussed during his government, “the intelligence conditions were not ripe for such operations.”
International Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
While the commission did not investigate the conduct of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the attack, it noted that such matters are the focus of international legal proceedings, including charges at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
A state commission of inquiry could potentially address these accusations. The civil inquiry, while valuable for providing a platform for affected populations, is no substitute for official accountability mechanisms.
