Israeli book details Netanyahu's early war decisions
The article reveals details from the first chapter of the book "The Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment" by Israeli journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruti Yoval. The chapter focuses on the Israeli leadership’s response following the October 7, 2023 attack on Gaza. The information indicates that the leadership received reports from the very first hours about the kidnapping of soldiers and civilians and their transfer to Gaza, but they prioritized military operations over negotiations with Hamas. Sources clarify that chaos prevailed at the command headquarters in Tel Aviv, with communications breaking down and a lack of precise information. At 7:30 AM, a military official reported the detention of a person near the Beit Hanoun crossing, suspecting it was an Israeli for bargaining purposes, though there was hesitation in addressing the situation. Later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the headquarters and was informed of the potential fall of hundreds of victims and dozens of captives, with a proposal to appoint a special coordinator for prisoners and the missing—a position vacant for a year. The Israeli army carried out instructions related to "Operation Hannebal," which involved not taking soldiers hostage even if they were in danger. An attack drone was used, despite directives not to attack vehicles that might contain hostages. During a cabinet meeting, reports were conveyed of 14 soldiers and 28 civilians being kidnapped, while the number of missing persons in 2023 reached approximately 3,164, with their fates unknown. The defense minister reaffirmed that there would be no negotiations whatsoever with Hamas.
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