ALBAWABA - Deep flaws in Israel's political and security leadership both before and after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack have been exposed by recently leaked audio recordings that Israel's Channel 12 has released. These recordings include shocking details from former Israeli Military Intelligence Chief Aharon Haliva.
Haliva accused the government of being careless and causing political turmoil, confirming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been given strategic warnings prior to the attack but did nothing. Haliva criticized the way the National Security Council and senior officials handled the war and the families of Israeli prisoners, calling Israel's leadership "a big brothel" in one startling statement.
Netanyahu Issued Strategic Alerts but Disregarded Them
Haliva claimed that Israeli intelligence had consistently provided updates regarding the escalating dangers in Gaza and the potential for a significant assault, citing the leaks. He said that Netanyahu, the head of Mossad, and the head of the Shin Bet received all updates directly.
No one can say they were unaware because all of the information was recorded and forwarded to the highest offices, Haliva stated.
Haliva, however, charged that Netanyahu avoided holding regular security meetings with the intelligence division, cutting them down from weekly to once every two months because, in his own words, "he didn't want to hear things he disliked."
Criticism of Leadership and Failed Security Policies
"There is no 'State of Israel'; there is a big brothel," Haliva said in a blistering indictment of Israel's political leadership. He blasted the government for not helping the families of Israeli prisoners in Gaza and charged the National Security Council with egregious negligence in managing the hostage situation.
Additionally, he criticized the billions spent on the construction of the Gaza border wall project, calling it "the most failed initiative ever," as dozens of Hamas fighters broke through the barrier on October 7 without encountering any opposition.
Furthermore, Haliva disclosed that prior to the assault, he had given Netanyahu a strategic assessment alerting him to the growing internal divisions in Israel caused by the government's contentious judicial reforms, which made the nation seem vulnerable to its adversaries. "We provided Netanyahu with precise assessments of the risks," he stated. "He wouldn't listen."
Netanyahu's Refusals and Haliva's Resignation
As the first senior officer to leave due to the intelligence lapses that resulted in the October 7 attack, Haliva, who was appointed head of Israeli Military Intelligence in 2021, resigned on April 22, 2024.
Nevertheless, Netanyahu has consistently denied allegations that he was forewarned, denying charges of carelessness in spite of growing evidence and pressure from Israel's security establishment.
