Israel’s Military Chief Demands Systemic Probe into October 7 Hamas Attack Failures

Israel's military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, on Monday demanded a comprehensive "systemic investigation" into the intelligence and operational lapses that enabled Hamas's devastating October 7, 2023 assault—the deadliest in Israel's history. The call follows the release of an internal expert committee report, which Zamir said concluded the IDF's own probes but exposed deep-rooted, multi-year failures across military branches.

The committee highlighted that despite "high-quality and exceptional intelligence" held by various IDF units, no actions were taken to heighten alertness, adjust force deployments, or counter Hamas's capabilities—long underestimated by the military. It described the breakdown as a "long-standing systemic and organisational failure" spanning hierarchies and sectors, necessitating a broader inter-organizational review.

Public pressure for accountability remains intense, with polls showing widespread support across Israel's political divide for a state commission of inquiry. Yet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government continues to resist, insisting such a body cannot be formed until the Gaza war ends. Netanyahu dismissed opposition demands in parliament, accusing them of politicizing the issue and instead proposing a "consensus-based" model akin to the U.S. 9/11 Commission—a suggestion swiftly rejected.

Also Read: Iran Accused of Plotting Assassination of Israeli Ambassador in Mexico; Embassy Denies Allegations

Under Israeli law, only the government can initiate a national inquiry, with members appointed by the Supreme Court—a process complicated by the administration's ongoing conflict with the judiciary over perceived left-leaning bias. The controversy echoes pre-war tensions over judicial reforms that nearly fractured Israeli society.

As the Gaza campaign enters its third year—with over 1,200 Israelis killed on October 7 and more than 69,000 Palestinians reported dead according to Gaza's health ministry—Zamir's push underscores a growing rift between military leadership and political caution, with the nation still grappling with the enduring trauma of that fateful day.

Also Read: Israel Breaks Ceasefire Again: Daily Lebanon Raids Force Hezbollah Fightback Now