Mounting Pressure on Netanyahu from Families and Cabinet as Gaza Operation Intensifies

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced severe backlash for his accusation against security chiefs in a since-deleted social media post. He claimed that they failed to inform him about the anticipated Hamas attack before October 7.

In the face of widespread criticism from both adversaries and supporters, Netanyahu removed the post on Sunday morning and publicly apologized, assuring that he fully supported Israel's security heads.

However, the incident has failed to alleviate the mounting frustration and anger towards Israel's leader for his lack of foresight regarding the savage Hamas assaults. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 individuals and the capture of over 200 hostages.

At this critical juncture, Netanyahu's tweet coincides with the growing demands from the hostages' families for a comprehensive resolution, ensuring their liberation. These appeals are becoming increasingly pressing due to apprehensions about the potential risks faced by the hostages trapped in Gaza amidst Israel's ongoing ground operations.

Netanyahu criticized several top security officials, including Ronen Bar and Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, in a now-deleted tweet that was published in the early hours of Sunday morning local time. He stated that he was not warned about Hamas' intention to initiate a war, contrary to the assessments of defense officials from the Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Bet, who believed that Hamas had been deterred. The tweet was posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Following Netanyahu's post, there was a swift outpouring of criticism. Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet, expressed his support for the intelligence chiefs and urged Netanyahu to retract his statements. "This morning, I want to express my full support for the security forces and IDF soldiers, including the Chief of Staff, the head of the IDF, and the head of the Shin Bet," Gantz stated in a Sunday post on X.

Netanyahu, left, holds a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Abir Sultan/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Gantz urged Israel's leaders to demonstrate responsibility during times of war. He emphasized that any alternative course of action or statement would have a detrimental effect on the people's resilience and strength.

Opposition leader and former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid also denounced Netanyahu's actions. On Sunday, he expressed his disapproval on X, stating that Netanyahu had crossed a red line. Lapid criticized the Prime Minister's attempts to evade accountability and shift blame onto the security establishment, as it undermines the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) while they are combating Israel's enemies.

In the midst of widespread condemnation, Netanyahu decided to remove the post on Sunday morning and issued an apology. He acknowledged his mistakes, stating that the comments he made following the press conference were inappropriate and expressed remorse for his words. On X, he stated that he fully supports Israel's security chiefs.

Contrarily, while apologizing, Netanyahu failed to acknowledge his own role in the failure to foresee the most devastating attack in Israel's history. In contrast, Bar and Haliva, along with IDF's chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, have all assumed some level of responsibility for the lapses that resulted in the attacks.

After a tumultuous weekend, the Israeli prime minister grapples with the aftermath of his meeting with the families of the hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday. In their pursuit for answers regarding the security of their loved ones, the families urged him to ensure the safe release of the hostages amidst Israel's escalating offensive.

Speaking on behalf of the families during a press conference, Meirav Leshem Gonen, the mother of Romi Gonen who was abducted from the Supernova dance festival, candidly expressed their expectations to the prime minister. The families made it unequivocally clear that they would only consider a comprehensive agreement based on the principle of "everyone for everyone," a stance that garnered support from all of Israel.

A potential agreement, known as an "everyone for everyone" deal, would entail the release of over 200 hostages being held in Gaza in exchange for the release of approximately 6,630 Palestinians currently imprisoned in Israeli jails, according to the estimates of the nongovernmental organization Palestinian Prisoners Club.

On Saturday, Hamas issued a statement expressing their willingness to participate in such a trade. However, it is important to note that this proposed deal would be highly controversial within Israel.

The families of the hostages are growing increasingly concerned about the potential harm that Hamas captives may face as Israel's bombardment of Gaza intensifies. Gonen, speaking on behalf of the families, emphasized the urgent need for military action to prioritize the safety and well-being of their loved ones.

During a Saturday news conference, Netanyahu was questioned about a potential agreement and confirmed that he had indeed explored the possibility with the families. However, he believed that providing further details would not contribute to the attainment of our objective. Expressing his emotional helplessness during the meeting with the families, he remarked.