The sources present a complex and often contradictory picture.

Ignored Intelligence and Early Warnings

_• For months prior to the attack, female surveillance soldiers along the Gaza border reported suspicious activity, but their warnings were reportedly ignored by senior officers and intelligence officials.

_• One whistleblower claim alleges the Biden administration was aware of weapons being transferred to Palestinians to attack Israel but did not tell Netanyahu.

_• Retired military officials have asserted that the Israeli defense establishment had all the intelligence on what Hamas was planning well before the operation was carried out.

Netanyahu’s Relationship with Hamas and Qatar

_• Netanyahu’s administration reportedly pursued a “divide and rule” strategy, allowing Qatari funds to flow to Hamas in Gaza to fracture Palestinian leadership and prevent a two-state solution. This policy was based on the assumption that governing responsibilities and cash would create a “quiet for quiet” arrangement, an assumption that blew to pieces on October 7.

_• Investigations following the attack explored allegations that Netanyahu’s aides received payments from Qatar to promote Qatari interests, further complicating the narrative of his awareness of Hamas’s intentions. This became known as “Qatargate.”

Claims of Obstruction During the Attack

_• It is alleged that when the attack began, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara blocked Netanyahu from ordering an immediate Air Force response or changing the rules of engagement. She reportedly told him he did not have the authority to declare war or change military protocols until the full cabinet could convene, which did not happen until 20:00 that evening.

_• Netanyahu appeared on camera at 11:00 to declare war, but military action was reportedly delayed for six to eight hours despite pilots sitting in cockpits ready to engage.

Internal Conflicts and “Loss of Trust”

_• Netanyahu stated that he lost trust in Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar after October 7. He argued that Bar launched investigations into Netanyahu’s office, such as the Qatargate probe, as a means of self-preservation to distract from the agency’s failure to prevent the attack.

_• Some analysts view October 7 as a complete and total setup against Netanyahu, comparing it to the political challenges faced by Donald Trump regarding the January 6 Capitol riot.