Netanyahu’s October 7 timeline raises new questions over response to Hamas attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's published timeline for October 7, 2023, has raised questions regarding his response to the Hamas attack. Netanyahu received his first notification of the attack at 6:29 a.m. via WhatsApp, followed by a recorded secure call at 6:40 a.m. from his military secretary, Maj. Gen. Avi Gil. During this call, Netanyahu asked if Hamas leadership could be targeted, to which Gil responded, "Prime Minister, we are in a broad operation. Give me 15 minutes, I'll also check whether we have ground infiltrations. We are at war."

"We are at war."

Netanyahu arrived at the Kirya military headquarters at 8:22 a.m., nearly two hours after the attack began. His office stated he left for the Kirya at 7:30 a.m., but former Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Caesarea residents dispute this, suggesting a later departure. At 9:55 a.m., Netanyahu held a situation assessment, ordering a full reserve mobilization and preparations for the northern front. Lapid, who met Netanyahu at 4:30 p.m. that day, stated, "Until 4:30 in the afternoon, Netanyahu barely functioned and did not initiate a single move."