An independent investigative commission has delivered a scathing report implicating Israel’s highest levels of government and military leadership in the catastrophic failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre and subsequent war. The findings, drawn from over four months of exhaustive inquiry, paint a damning picture of systemic negligence and mismanagement that culminated in one of the darkest chapters in Israel’s history.

Government and Military: A Litany of Failures

The commission did not mince words in its assessment: the prime minister, cabinet, and military leadership all share blame for a disaster that was neither unforeseen nor unavoidable. The report states unequivocally that these failings occurred before, during, and after the Hamas massacre. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Defense Ministry, in particular, are criticized for failing to heed warnings, prepare for the attack, and adequately deploy forces to protect Israeli civilians.

This was not, as the report emphasizes, "an act of fate or a sudden institutional collapse." Rather, it was a failure of leadership, strategy, and preparation. The commission noted that more than 800 IDF soldiers and over 1,000 civilians have lost their lives, while 101 Israelis remain in captivity as a direct result of these failures.

🇮🇱 Independent Commission Accuses Government Members of Being Directly Responsible for the "Collapse of the Government System on October 7"

◾ Times of Israel: Members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet Were Directly Responsible for 'Collapse of the Governing System… pic.twitter.com/4fNpcIA9tT

— Bernadette (@BDooher) November 26, 2024

Shin Bet and IDF: Acceptance of Responsibility

While the IDF and the Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security agency) have been harshly criticized, the commission acknowledged that they, unlike the political leadership, took responsibility for their shortcomings. Many leaders within these institutions have paid personal and professional prices for their roles in the disaster, demonstrating accountability that the report found sorely lacking in Israel’s political echelon.

National Security Collapse

Perhaps the most damning conclusion is that Israel’s entire national security apparatus has "collapsed and is no longer suitable." The commission demands a fundamental reevaluation of Israel’s security doctrine. It calls for systematic situation assessments that take into account evolving threats and enemy intentions, as well as integrating diverse expertise into intelligence and strategic planning.

Don’t let the world forget about October 7th. pic.twitter.com/dWNcJtxgM3

— Jews Fight Back 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@JewsFightBack) November 26, 2024

The report criticizes a pervasive culture of complacency among decision-makers and highlights the urgent need for mechanisms that counter entrenched misconceptions. A new "culture of listening" is essential, the report states, to ensure that decision-makers are presented with a range of alternatives and unvarnished analyses.

A Culture of Responsibility

The commission’s most significant recommendation is cultural rather than structural: a national embrace of accountability, learning, and correction. It urges the creation of robust control and review systems across all levels of government and the military, particularly in areas affecting policy, strategy, and human life.

“No system, large or small, can succeed without introspection and improvement,” the report declares, adding that both the IDF and the government must undergo profound changes to meet the challenges of the future.

They'll keep celebrating October 7th, launching attacks from mosques, and holding 120 hostages, including a baby. Yet, they remain blind to how it all came to be. pic.twitter.com/TszJFY1UDy

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 4, 2024

Preparing for the Day After

Looking beyond the immediate conflict, the commission stresses the importance of planning for "the day after." This includes strategic considerations for Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader Middle East. The report highlights the need for bolstering security in southern Israel and reinforcing the country’s civil defense systems.

In particular, the commission underscores the importance of hidden and protected command-and-control systems that remain operational during both routine and emergency situations. It also calls for a complete overhaul of the civil defense infrastructure, ensuring it can protect settlements until military reinforcements arrive.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid welcomes the release of the independent Civilian Commission of Inquiry’s final report on the government’s failure to prevent October 7, calling it “in-depth, comprehensive and important.”

Lapid, who testified before the commission in August, calls…

— Netanel Worthy - נתנאל וורתי (@NetanelWorthy) November 26, 2024

A Wake-Up Call for Leadership

The findings serve as a sobering indictment of Israeli leadership at a time when national unity and resilience are critical. The October 7 massacre was not merely a tragedy but a preventable calamity—a stark reminder that complacency in the face of evolving threats can have devastating consequences.

For Israel to move forward, the commission’s recommendations must be more than words on a page; they must be the blueprint for a safer and more secure future. The stakes could not be higher, as the nation continues to mourn its dead, fight its battles, and pray for the safe return of its captives.