Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has admitted to ordering the controversial Hannibal Directive during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 on February 7, Gallant confirmed that the protocol—designed to prevent captives from being taken, even at the cost of their lives—was used in some areas but not others.
During the attack, Hamas killed around 1,100 Israeli civilians and soldiers, according to Israeli reports. However, Israeli forces also fired on their own people, using helicopters, drones, and tanks to stop Hamas fighters. This included attacks near the Nova music festival and in military bases, where Israeli forces inadvertently killed both civilians and soldiers that Hamas had attempted to take as captives.
Gallant also criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for escalating tensions by repeatedly storming Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, calling it a move that “detonated the situation.”
The former minister accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of delaying a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which he claimed could have saved more hostages if agreed upon earlier. Many of the 251 captives taken by Hamas were later killed by Israeli airstrikes and friendly fire.
In January, Israel’s top general, Herzi Halevi, resigned, citing a major intelligence failure that allowed Hamas to carry out its attack. Meanwhile, Israel’s war on Gaza has left at least 47,000 Palestinians dead, with some estimates suggesting a much higher toll.
