Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to evade responsibility for the intelligence and security failures that led to Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack, instead blaming Israel’s defense establishment. Despite being the architect of the strategy that enabled Hamas to gain strength, Netanyahu has used his familiar deflection tactics to shift blame onto the Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Shin Bet’s recently published internal report acknowledged serious intelligence failures in the lead-up to the attack, with agency director Ronen Bar taking full responsibility. However, rather than acknowledging his own role in the crisis, Netanyahu lashed out at Bar, accusing him of “misreading the intelligence picture” and clinging to the mistaken strategic belief—known as “the concept”—that Hamas could be deterred through economic incentives.
Netanyahu’s policy of allowing Qatari funds to flow to Hamas was central to his broader strategy of weakening the Palestinian Authority and preventing negotiations for a final settlement. Despite warnings from within the security establishment, Netanyahu not only approved these financial transfers but also secured U.S. backing for the policy under the Trump administration in 2019.
The prime minister’s refusal to accept any accountability has fueled public outrage. Protesters have disrupted his speeches, demanding answers and chanting “shame on you.” While Shin Bet officials have admitted their failures and some have resigned, Netanyahu has refused to step down or even acknowledge his own role in the disaster.
Instead, he has doubled down on attacking Israel’s security institutions, portraying himself as a victim of internal conspiracies—echoing rhetoric used by figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu has positioned the defense establishment as part of a so-called “deep state” working against him, further inflaming divisions within Israel’s leadership.
As calls for a state commission of inquiry grow louder, Netanyahu appears determined to avoid accountability. Analysts suggest that prolonging the war in Gaza serves his political survival, allowing him to delay elections and reshape Israel’s security leadership in his favor. However, with mounting pressure from both the public and military officials, Netanyahu’s ability to continue this strategy unchecked remains uncertain.
