A former high-ranking official from Israel’s internal security agency has alleged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly rejected recommendations from the Shin Bet to carry out targeted operations against senior Hamas leaders, according to reports from Israeli media on October 9, 2026.
Ilan Shavit, identified in reports as a former Shin Bet official, stated that whenever the agency presented itself as ready to proceed with operations against Hamas figures, Netanyahu responded by instructing them to maintain readiness rather than authorizing action, according to multiple sources citing Channel 13 Israel [1]. “Every time we came and said we are ready, he would answer us: maintain readiness,” the official reportedly stated.
The allegations emerged amid broader scrutiny of decision-making within Israel’s security establishment. The timing coincides with separate disclosures from Avi Gill, former military secretary to Netanyahu, who has revealed details about intelligence warnings and decisions made before the October 7 attack, according to reports from Al Manar TV [2]. Gill’s disclosure comes amid the absence of an official investigation committee.
The claims highlight potential tensions between Israel’s political leadership and its security agencies regarding operational authorization and strategic direction. They also surface questions about the chain of command and decision-making protocols during periods of heightened security concerns.
Israeli forces have continued active operations against terrorist organizations. On the same day as the Shavit allegations, Israeli forces and the Shin Bet conducted precision operations in the Gaza Strip, destroying weapon storage facilities belonging to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, according to military reports [3].
The allegations by Shavit represent one of several recent public disclosures by current and former Israeli security officials regarding pre-attack intelligence and decision-making. Such statements from serving or recently-serving security personnel are relatively uncommon in Israeli public discourse and typically indicate significant internal disagreements about strategic direction or accountability for security failures.
Neither Netanyahu nor his office has issued a public response to Shavit’s specific allegations as of the latest reports.
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