Netanyahu vs. Netanyahu: The directives given before October 7 - and the conflicting versions

An investigation by Ronen Bergman reveals contradictions between Prime Minister Netanyahu's documented directives before October 7 and his official version. Documents from his office show he ordered advancing a civilian arrangement with Hamas and enhancing humanitarian benefits, contrary to his claim that he pushed for targeted killings. The investigation describes how the Prime Minister's Office repeatedly denies documented information.

A comprehensive investigation by Ronen Bergman, published in the "7 Days" supplement of Yedioth Ahronoth, reveals substantial contradictions between the documented directives given by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the October 7, 2023 massacre and the official version disseminated by his office. The documents, summarized by Netanyahu's own office in meetings from September 27 and October 1, 2023, show that Netanyahu ordered "advancing the civilian arrangement with Hamas" and "enhancing the use" of humanitarian benefits. This is in complete contrast to his claim in a document submitted to the State Comptroller, that he emphasized deterrence and decapitating the enemy leadership, while the defense establishment pushed for understandings with Hamas. The investigation describes a recurring pattern of denial by the Prime Minister's Office, which claimed these were "recycled lies" and "recycling baseless lies." The reporter notes that the spokespeople change but the answer remains the same. The documents themselves, revealed by Moria Asraf on Channel 13 News, show that Netanyahu instructed "to advance operational readiness for recommended targeted killings" - not to carry out actual targeted killings. A senior security official is quoted as saying that until October 7, Netanyahu "never initiated, not a targeted killing nor an operation" and that he was "the most fearful person in the room."