Report Questions Netanyahu's Timeline During October 7 Hamas Invasion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have taken at least two hours to leave his home in Caesarea and reach the IDF’s Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv after Hamas-led terrorists began invading Israel on October 7, 2023, according to a report.

The development comes as Israel prepares to hold its next general election on October 27, following the completion of a full four-year parliamentary term under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

The report, aired by Israeli television and cited by The Times of Israel, has raised questions over the prime minister’s movements in the crucial opening hours of the Hamas-led attack, as terrorists were overrunning communities along Israel’s Gaza border.

Earlier this week, Netanyahu’s office released what it said were minutes from his schedule on October 7. The records showed that Netanyahu was alerted to the invasion at 6:29 am but did not leave his home until 7:30 am, with his office attributing the delay to preparations for his convoy.

According to the released minutes, Netanyahu arrived at the Kirya at 8 am. However, the document also noted that Shin Bet records put his arrival at 8:22 am. Channel 12, however, reported that unpublished minutes from Netanyahu’s diary placed his arrival at 9 am. The broadcaster also quoted a “credible source” as saying the prime minister did not arrive until 9:30 am. If accurate, the report would mean Netanyahu may not have left Caesarea until around 8:30 or 9 am, more than two hours after he was first alerted to the invasion.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has led the country through three years of war. The report also said Netanyahu did not contact his security chiefs after being woken by his military secretary at 6:29 am and did not speak to them until he reached the Kirya. That account contrasts with Netanyahu’s statement earlier this week that, had security chiefs awakened him during the night to brief him on signs of a possible Hamas attack, he would have “immediately” mobilized the IDF and the Air Force.

Netanyahu’s first situational assessment at the Kirya was not held until 9:55 am, according to the minutes released by his office. About an hour later, he released a video declaring: “we are at war.”

Channel 12 also reported that then-defence minister Yoav Gallant reached the Kirya at 7:30 am, an hour after being alerted. Gallant’s home was around 80 kilometres from the headquarters, while Netanyahu’s Caesarea residence was about 20 kilometres closer.

The revelations have renewed calls for a state commission of inquiry. “Precisely on account of these three hours we must establish a state commission of inquiry,” the October Council said. Netanyahu has opposed such a commission. A state commission of inquiry would have broad powers to investigate the events of October 7, including who knew what, who issued instructions and why the government response unfolded as it did