Deputy Minister MK Almog Cohen (Otzma Yehudit) recently alleged in the Knesset that a Shin Bet human intelligence source, codenamed “Green Sardine,” provided a specific warning from inside Gaza on the morning of October 7.
- The Warning: At approximately 3:30 a.m., the source reportedly alerted their handler to a gathering of Nukhba (Hamas elite forces) members in mosques.
- The Context: Cohen emphasized that this gathering occurred roughly two hours before Fajr (dawn) prayers, making it a clear, time-stamped indicator of imminent military movement rather than a routine religious gathering.
Internal Response and Failure
Cohen claimed that following this report, then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar convened senior division heads. However, the core of the allegation is that this critical intelligence was not passed on to the necessary operational channels, preventing it from being translated into defensive action or public warnings.
Political and Social Impact
If verified, this information would challenge the standing public narrative that there was no “usable human intelligence” available in the hours leading up to the attack. - Accountability: The disclosure has intensified the demand for a State Commission of Inquiry to determine why specific warnings were not acted upon.
- Official Stance: As of the report, the Shin Bet has declined to comment on Cohen’s remarks, and the allegations have not been independently verified.
Written with the help of Grok AI. Originally reported by Jewish Breaking News on Instagram. Clip excerpted and zoomed in on from the JBN clip. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSqZB9lDdl4/?igsh=MW5oc3lwbnltOWRvZQ==
Writing by Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal 