Leaked recordings reveal IDF chiefs' misconceptions which led to October 7th 

Newly released recordings have exposed profound admissions of failure from Israel's top military leadership regarding the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. In a meeting with southern regional leaders, IDF Chief of Staff Hertzi Halevi and Southern Command Commander Yaron Finkelman acknowledged severe intelligence and operational shortcomings that led to what many consider the most catastrophic security failure in Israel's history.

Leadership Takes Responsibility

In the recordings first revealed by N12's "Central Edition" newscast, Southern Command Commander Finkelman made an unequivocal admission of responsibility: "Southern Command failed on October 7th in its mission and role... I am the commander, I failed. The failure of the framework is on me."

Finkelman, who chose to resign from the army following the attack, added with evident emotion: "This is what's right for an officer, a commander, and someone who bears responsibility. This failure and its price are engraved in me as a commander, engraved in me as a person, and I will carry it until my last day on this earth."

Intelligence Failures and Misconceptions

The recordings highlight critical intelligence failures that left communities near Gaza vulnerable. Chief of Staff Halevi admitted, "We viewed Hamas as a limited military force; we didn't see a scenario of a wide surprise attack as a realistic scenario." He further acknowledged the painful reality that "for many people who were murdered, their last words were 'Where is the IDF?'"

A senior Southern Command officer candidly described the confusion during the attack: "It was very difficult for us to understand the picture; we struggled to manage the picture [in the Gaza Division]. We are honestly presenting the real confusion that existed; we're not trying to hide anything here."

Finkelman offered further insight into the intelligence failure: "The picture told to me is that two substantial things - one, we're not talking about something in the immediate timeframe, [and two,] Hamas' offensive array, the Nukhba, is in routine. It's not in some emergency." He emphasized that "the commander is responsible for everything, including intelligence."

Community Concerns and Warnings Ignored

Local leaders at the meeting expressed frustration that their long-standing warnings had been disregarded. One participant confronted the military leadership: "We talked for years about Hamas observation posts on our homes; for years we warned and said they could reach our homes."

Another demanded accountability and future assurances: "Many things have been said here that I still haven't seen written in this way. I want to know that we see eye to eye on the conclusions from the investigations, that you'll be with us a year ahead."

Current Military Assessment and Future Plans

Despite the admissions of failure, Halevi claimed some military progress: "According to the definition of defeat in military and tactical terms, Hamas' military wing has been defeated. It still has capabilities. We shouldn't stop here; we need to continue hitting them."

Looking forward, Halevi outlined changes to border security: "We need a security zone and need to hold it well; under no circumstances will we move settlements back." He added that the military is planning "for there to be an outpost between the settlements and the fence" and that "the order of battle will be here with more tanks and more fighters."

The Chief of Staff also addressed broader military readiness concerns, stating: "We think the army needs to be expanded so that reservists don't serve 80 days a year." He specifically mentioned ultra-Orthodox enlistment as necessary, saying: "There's a clear security need for this; we understand that it's necessary."

Lessons Learned

Halevi emphasized that the military must challenge previous assumptions: "In terms of intelligence, we'll need to look at our sources, ask questions, and challenge the conceptions." He acknowledged the need for extensive fire capabilities—"air, sea, and land"—noting that "if a lot of fire had fallen on this mob at the beginning, it would have turned back."

The Chief of Staff also cautioned against rigid long-term planning: "Nothing can be fixed and said to be for ten years ahead, not even for five. We live in a changing reality, and we react. We make difficult decisions."

These revelations come as Israel continues military operations in Gaza while facing challenges on multiple fronts, including the northern border with Lebanon.