Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has claimed that Israel received warnings about a planned Hamas offensive before the 7 October 2023 attacks, adding fuel to a growing political and security controversy over what Israeli leaders knew in advance.
Speaking to Army Radio, Gallant said Israel was alerted through a channel maintained by Shin Bet, the country’s internal security agency, that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major operation against Israel. According to Gallant, the warning reached senior levels before the attack that would later become one of the deadliest days in Israel’s history.
His remarks come amid increasing scrutiny of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of intelligence received before the assault. Several reports in recent weeks have suggested that regional partners and intelligence channels had raised concerns about a possible Hamas operation. Gallant indicated that critical information was not adequately shared with key security officials, including members of Israel’s defence and intelligence establishment.
The October 7 attack saw Hamas fighters cross from Gaza into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, injuring thousands and taking hundreds of hostages. The assault exposed major gaps in Israel’s intelligence and security systems and triggered a large-scale military response in Gaza.
Gallant described the episode as a “fundamental failure” in Israel’s overall assessment of the threat. According to him, warning signs existed but did not result in the level of preparedness required to prevent or mitigate the attack. His comments are likely to intensify demands for further investigation into the decision-making process before October 7.
The allegations come at a politically sensitive time for Israel, where debates over accountability continue alongside ongoing security challenges. Opposition figures have repeatedly called for a full inquiry into the events leading up to the attack, while government officials maintain that the focus should remain on national security and the broader conflict.
Gallant’s statements add another layer to a debate that is expected to continue shaping Israeli politics and public discourse for years to come.