Netanyahu’s Oct. 7 Defense Crumbles as Former Aides Accuse Him of Falsifying Records Ahead of Election

Key points

• Former military secretary Avi Gil testified that Netanyahu’s office attempted to falsify the time of a key phone call on October 7, 2023, to make it appear the Prime Minister was acting earlier than he was.
• Gil accused Netanyahu of rejecting preventive military operations against Hamas and allowing political considerations to delay hostage deals, potentially prolonging captivity.
• A Yedioth Ahronoth investigation found significant omissions in Netanyahu’s February 2026 defense document, which claimed he advocated for tougher action against Hamas.
• Former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar is suing Netanyahu for defamation, claiming the Prime Minister falsely blamed him for the security failure.
• Former PM office director Yoav Horowitz, now an aide to opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, stated that Netanyahu’s decisions were driven by personal political survival rather than national interest.
• Polls from Maariv, Channel 13, and KAN News show a tight race, with both the Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs hovering around 52 seats, short of the 61 needed for a majority.

Background

This election is the first since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages. Netanyahu has faced ongoing controversy over warnings from the UAE and Egypt prior to the attack, which he has denied. Previous coverage highlighted deep public division over accountability, with victim families demanding an inquiry while supporters view Netanyahu as the necessary wartime leader. The current campaign is marked by a lack of consensus on the factual record of the disaster.

How outlets are covering it

The Forward emphasizes the explosive nature of former aides’ testimony, particularly the allegation of falsified records and the influence of political calculations on hostage negotiations. Fox News frames the election as a high-stakes referendum on Netanyahu’s legacy and the ongoing war against the Iranian-led axis, noting that some experts view the opposition’s desire to end the war early as a vulnerability. The Jerusalem Post focuses on the polling data, highlighting the deadlock between the two blocs and the significance of smaller parties like People of Israel in determining the outcome. While The Forward and Fox News agree on the tight race, they differ in emphasis: The Forward focuses on accountability and record-falsification, while Fox News highlights the strategic implications of the war and the threat from Iran.

Why it matters

The outcome of the October 27 election will determine whether Netanyahu continues to lead Israel or faces a change in leadership. The unresolved questions regarding the October 7 failure and the lack of an independent inquiry have fueled public anger and political polarization. The election will also shape Israel’s future security strategy, particularly regarding the war in Gaza and relations with Iran.

What to watch

Israelis will vote on October 27. If no clear majority emerges, coalition negotiations will be crucial. The formation of a new government will likely depend on the support of smaller parties and the Arab bloc. The lack of a state commission of inquiry means the public debate over the October 7 facts will continue, potentially influencing the new government’s policies.