Israel’s Opposition Leader Yair Lapid testified on Thursday before an independent civilian commission of inquiry in Tel Aviv, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of ignoring repeated warnings about Israel’s eroding deterrence and the increasing threat posed by terrorist groups. The inquiry is investigating the October 7 Hamas invasion and subsequent massacre.
Lapid, head of the Yesh Atid party and a former prime minister, detailed several instances where security officials cautioned Netanyahu that his government’s policies had weakened Israel’s position, emboldening its enemies. Despite these warnings, Lapid claimed Netanyahu remained indifferent, even appearing “bored” during a key briefing on the issue.
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Lapid sought to counter the narrative that the government was blindsided by the October 7 attacks. He emphasized that while there was no specific tactical warning about the breach, there were “repeated strategic warnings of an eruption of violence and the loss of deterrence.”
Lapid recounted a security briefing he received from Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar in July 2023, the night before the Knesset passed the contentious reasonableness law. During this briefing, Bar reportedly issued “unprecedented warnings” about the security implications of the judicial overhaul and the internal divisions it was causing. Lapid highlighted that these concerns were also presented to Netanyahu and other top officials, yet no action was taken.
The opposition leader also referenced a briefing on August 21, 2023, where Netanyahu’s military secretary, Brig. Gen. Avi Gil, warned that Israel’s adversaries, including Iran and terrorist groups in Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza, had identified a growing weakness and internal divide within Israel. This, coupled with a deteriorating relationship with the U.S., further exacerbated the security threat.
Lapid’s testimony comes in the wake of growing criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of national security, particularly following his decision to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in March 2023 after Gallant publicly warned of the dangers posed by the judicial reforms. Netanyahu later reversed the dismissal under public pressure.
Key Points
Lapid’s Testimony: Opposition Leader Yair Lapid testified before an independent civilian commission in Tel Aviv regarding the October 7 Hamas invasion and massacre.
Accusations Against Netanyahu: Lapid accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of ignoring repeated warnings from security officials about Israel’s weakening deterrence and the increasing threat from terrorist groups.
Warnings Ignored: Despite multiple briefings, Lapid claimed Netanyahu appeared indifferent, even “bored,” during discussions about the security situation.
Strategic Warnings: Lapid emphasized that while there was no specific warning about the October 7 attacks, there were continuous strategic warnings about the potential for violence and loss of deterrence.
July 2023 Briefing: Lapid recounted a July 2023 security briefing from Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who issued “unprecedented warnings” about the security consequences of the government’s judicial overhaul and the internal rift it was causing.
August 2023 Briefing: During an August 2023 briefing, Netanyahu’s military secretary, Brig. Gen. Avi Gil, warned that Israel’s enemies had identified a growing weakness and internal divide within the country, further threatening national security.
Dismissal and Reversal of Gallant: Lapid referenced Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in March 2023 after Gallant publicly warned of the security risks posed by the judicial reforms. Netanyahu later reversed the dismissal due to public pressure.
