Former deputy director of the Israeli Security Agency, Shin Bet, Israel Hasson, has called for a thorough inquiry into the operational failures that led to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. His demand follows conflicting statements made by several high-ranking officials, including the former military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Maj.-Gen. Avi Gil, and then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. These discrepancies have raised significant concerns about accountability and operational readiness before the attack.
The Need for Clarity in Security Leadership
During a recent discussion on 103FM, Hasson expressed his disappointment that senior security officials and political leaders are engaged in public disputes concerning accountability, instead of focusing on the vital task of comprehensively investigating what went wrong. Hasson highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing that the lack of a unified understanding of events undermines trust in the nation’s security apparatus.
“I attended a four-and-a-half-hour investigation by Shin Bet,” Hasson explained, underscoring the necessity of asking the right questions. He noted that despite their efforts, he left without any clear answers, indicating a troubling gap in the investigation process. He pointed out that the sheer scale of the attack, purportedly involving three thousand participants, without any actionable intelligence to forewarn the government, is alarming.
Intelligence Access and Accountability
Hasson further elaborated that the military secretary, Avi Gil, has access to a more expansive intelligence picture than any individual agency, including Shin Bet. “Avi Gil possesses a complete intelligence overview that may not be available at all times within the Shin Bet,” he highlighted. This access allows the military secretariat to consolidate intelligence assessments across various agencies, presenting a comprehensive view to the Prime Minister.
He voiced concerns that the public disputes among officials distract from a critical need: establishing a formal investigation to identify lapses. It is disheartening and counterproductive for leaders to argue publicly rather than work together to uncover the truth about the failures leading up to October 7.
Learning from Historical Precedents
In his call for an investigation, Hasson drew parallels with past inquiries, referencing the Agranat Commission, which scrutinized the failures of intelligence leading to the Yom Kippur War in 1973. He argued that the current situation requires a similar commitment to transparency and accountability, even if all intelligence details cannot be publicly disclosed.
“The Agranat Commission concluded that when there is intent and capability, action should not wait for explicit warnings,” he pointed out, advocating for a proactive approach in security matters. This historical perspective reinforces the argument that security leaders must prioritize readiness over waiting for definitive intelligence.
Addressing Public Disputes and Legal Actions
Hasson also touched on the ongoing legal battle initiated by Ronen Bar against Prime Minister Netanyahu, positioning it not just as a personal conflict but as one representing Shin Bet as a whole. He criticized Netanyahu’s public accusations against Bar, characterizing them as a severe wrongdoing.
“It’s essential to recognize that this lawsuit extends beyond individual grievances; it reflects broader issues within Israeli security governance,” he remarked. The need for unity in the security community is more crucial than ever, given the gravity of the challenges faced.
In conclusion, Hasson’s advocacy for a comprehensive investigation underscores the urgent need for accountability within the Israeli security agencies. Only through a dedicated inquiry can lessons be learned to ensure that such failures do not recur, reinforcing public trust and national security.