7 Questions in October: The Questions That Remain Open — Even Three Years After the Massacre

Three years after October 7, the "7 Questions in October" project by Kan News returns to seven of the biggest questions left by the black day and the ongoing war. Among the interviewees: a former senior official in the hostage headquarters, a former commander of the Edom Brigade, the head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, survivors of captivity and the massacre, and former senior officials in the security and political establishment. Each offers a different perspective on the failures, missed opportunities, and consequences.

Three years after the October 7 massacre, which changed the face of Israel forever, the "7 Questions in October" project by Kan News on Reshet Bet returns to seven of the biggest questions left by the black day and the ongoing war. Colonel (res.) Moshe, a former senior official in the hostage headquarters, argues that throughout the war there were opportunities for a deal, but not necessarily a finalized deal that Israel refused to sign. Brigadier General (res.) Guy Hazut, former commander of the Edom Brigade, explains that the collapse of the IDF's defense line stems not only from the Gaza Division but from a failure that developed over years at all levels of decision-making. Uri Epstein, head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council and father of Neta Epstein who was murdered in Kfar Aza, says that on October 7 he chose life, but clarifies that without the government and military taking responsibility and drawing lessons, residents will not return to the Gaza envelope. Irit Lahav and her daughter Lotus, who survived 11 hours in a safe room in Nir Oz, say the place no longer feels like home. Michal Yaniv, former head of a department in the National Security Council, speaks about global hypocrisy regarding sexual violence on October 7 and in captivity. Eli Groner, former director general of the Prime Minister's Office, argues that focusing on who called whom misses the main story: a shared perception by the political echelon and the security establishment that Hamas does not want war and that the organization should continue to be "maintained." Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Nadav Shoshani, former IDF spokesperson for international media, explains that statements by official and unofficial Israeli actors steered the ship off course and led to global isolation. Captivity survivor Maxim Herkin speaks about a new meaning to joy and happiness since returning from captivity.