Shin Bet Admits Failure In Preventing October 7 Hamas Attack

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Israel’s Shin Bet security agency has acknowledged its failure to prevent Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack, despite multiple warning signs leading up to the event.

Security Chief Takes Responsibility

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar admitted that had the agency acted differently in the years prior and on the night of the attack, the massacre could have been prevented.

“As the head of the organization, I will carry this heavy burden on my shoulders for the rest of my life,” Bar stated.

An internal investigation, released Tuesday, outlined multiple factors that contributed to Hamas’ ability to carry out the attack.

Qatar’s Role and Policy Missteps

The report pointed to years of Qatari financial support for Hamas—funds approved by Israel’s government in an effort to politically divide Gaza and the West Bank. Qatar rejected the claims, insisting that all aid was sent with full Israeli oversight and was never delivered to Hamas' political or military wings.

Despite prior intelligence on Hamas’ attack plans, including iterations known as The Walls of Jericho in 2018 and 2022, Shin Bet did not recognize them as an imminent threat. The agency dismissed warning signs, believing Hamas was not seeking escalation.

Intelligence Gaps and Political Fallout

The investigation revealed major weaknesses in human intelligence gathering inside Gaza and unclear responsibilities between Shin Bet and the Israeli military. The report also pointed to broader political issues as contributing factors, including visits by Israeli politicians to the Al Aqsa compound and perceived weakening of Israeli societal cohesion.

Hamas and its allies killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in the attack, making it the deadliest in Israel’s history.

Political Blame Game

The report has ignited a political firestorm. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s inner circle criticized Shin Bet’s findings, arguing that the conclusions did not adequately reflect the agency’s failure. Netanyahu’s team also blamed Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar for not waking the prime minister on the night of the attack.

Meanwhile, opposition figures, including Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, accused Netanyahu of dodging responsibility.

“This country has been awake for 515 days, we still have hostages in Gaza. It’s time for you to wake up, apologize, take responsibility. This happened on your watch,” Lapid stated.

Gantz also condemned Netanyahu for attacking Shin Bet instead of taking accountability, saying, “There is no leadership, no responsibility, and there is no limit to cynicism.”

Ongoing Fallout

The controversy deepened after Shin Bet launched an investigation into alleged lobbying efforts for Qatar within Netanyahu’s office, a claim his administration denies. In response, Netanyahu removed both Bar and Mossad chief David Barnea from their roles in indirect negotiations with Hamas.

As the political battle continues, the fallout from October 7 remains a defining crisis for Israel’s leadership and security apparatus.

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