Israel's National Security Council Denies Having Intel on Hamas Attack Hours Prior

Facts

• Israel's National Security Council denied Wednesday reports alleging that its intelligence agencies warned the chief of staff and the Prime Minister’s Office that Hamas operatives in Gaza activated Israeli phone SIMs hours before the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.^[1]
• This comes as Yediot Ahronot reporter Ronen Bergman earlier this week claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu' s military secretariat may have received the information regarding the SIM cards, contradicting Netanyahu's claims that he had no prior knowledge of the attack.^[2]
• Bergman also alleged that a blackmailing case against a former senior Israeli military officer in the military secretariat may have been connected, claiming Netanyahu's office may have attempted to tamper with protocols to conceal the PM's knowledge of the SIM cards' activation.^[2]
• Responding to the report, Netanyahu's office said: "This is absolutely more fake news, part of a web of lies intended to bring down the right-wing government."^[3]
• Hamas' use of Israeli SIM cards was first reported in February. At the time, both the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet dismissed claims that 1K Israeli SIM cards were activated simultaneously, adding that the matter was under investigation.^[4]
• In another case related to Netanyahu and the war in Gaza, Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson for the prime minister, has been accused of leaking top-secret information to media outlets so as to sabotage a potential hostage and cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas.^[5]

Sources: ^[1]The Times of Israel, ^[2]The Jerusalem Post, ^[3]Israel National News, ^[4]Haaretz and ^[5]USA Today

Narratives

• Left narrative, as provided by The Times of Israel. Netanyahu continues to be biggest obstacle to Israeli security, as he prioritizes his own political interests over Israel's well-being and survival. Though he may present himself to many as Israel's savior, Netanyahu presided over the most vicious massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. His anti-democratic posturing and desire to control Israeli society no matter the cost has only endangered the lives of Israelis. Netanyahu's rule must end.
• Right narrative, as provided by Israel Hayom. Netanyahu is by no means perfect, but he is the strongest leader Israel has ever had. Though he has made many mistakes, he has worked night and day to defend Israel both in this war and on the world stage. Indeed, Netanyahu's popularity continues to rise, as he maintains his leadership amid this exceptionally difficult period in Israel's history.