On October 7, Hamas launched roughly 3,700 rockets and sent an estimated 5,600 militants across Israel’s border at 119 points, seizing a dozen villages at 6:29 a.m.
Why it matters
The surprise assault shocked Israel’s senior leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt‑Gen. Herzi Halevi. Classified video of the IDF high‑command “pit” showed that no generals were present as the invasion unfolded, and the mid‑level officers in charge were scrambling without a unified defense plan.
By 7:30 a.m., the command knew only about 40 % of the border penetrations; by 10:00 a.m., that figure rose to roughly 60 %. Hundreds of Israelis had already been killed or taken hostage, yet the top military leaders did not fully assume command of the nation’s defense until around 1:00 p.m., coinciding with Netanyahu’s first public video.
Internal mistrust appears to have hampered communication. Gallant’s staff received no warning before the attack, and Halevi, despite being awakened by his bureau chief between 2:00 a.m. And 3:00 a.m., believed the threat was limited to a small raid. The Shin Bet chief ordered an update for the prime minister at 5:15 a.m., but the staff acted only at 6:13 a.m., sixteen minutes before the invasion began. Netanyahu’s military secretary chose not to wake him, assuming no large‑scale threat.
What may happen next
Analysts note that the delayed direct contact among the three leaders—Netanyahu, Gallant and Halevi—could influence the speed of future decision‑making. If the breakdown of trust persists, coordination in subsequent operations may remain sluggish, potentially affecting reserve mobilization and border‑security measures.
Should the leadership establish clearer communication channels, future responses to emergent threats could become more immediate, reducing reliance on indirect staff updates. Conversely, lingering political tensions over the judicial overhaul and related disputes may continue to impede swift coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the three top officials finally speak to each other?
Netanyahu, Gallant and Halevi did not speak directly until almost four hours after the invasion began, meeting between 9:55 a.m. And 10:15 a.m. At the IDF underground situation room.
What was the state of intelligence before the attack?
Halevi’s bureau chief warned him of a possible border threat between 2:00 a.m. And 3:00 a.m., but the intelligence community believed Hamas would launch only a small penetration. The “Walls of Jericho” mass‑invasion plan had been dismissed as a fantasy months earlier.
Why did Netanyahu’s orders to seal the borders take time to be implemented?
Initial orders to close Israel’s northern and southern borders were issued early, but the air force began the southern‑border closure around 10:00 a.m., roughly when Netanyahu finally gave direct instructions to Halevi.
What steps do you think Israel should take to improve coordination among its civilian and military leaders?
