Israeli PM reportedly ordered security chiefs to pursue a “civilian arrangement” with Hamas just six days before the October 7 attack

Six days before the Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly directed security officials to advance a “civilian arrangement” with Hamas, according to a report by Kan public broadcaster.

The meeting on October 1, 2023, reportedly took place after violent clashes on the Gaza border. According to Kan, Netanyahu concluded that Israel should increase humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of a carrot-and-stick approach while also preparing for targeted assassinations in the Strip. However, it remains unclear what exactly the civilian arrangement entailed.

The report follows earlier claims that Netanyahu rejected a recommendation by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar at the same meeting to assassinate Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Sinwar went on to orchestrate the October 7 attack, one of the deadliest in Israel’s history. Netanyahu’s office has denied those allegations.

In response to the latest revelations, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement dismissing the report as an attempt to divert attention from the Shin Bet’s “massive failure” on October 7. The statement did not address the claim that Netanyahu had ordered efforts toward a civilian deal with Hamas but insisted that Shin Bet itself had recommended using humanitarian measures to manage Hamas.

Security officials had long assessed that Hamas was not seeking a full-scale war, believing instead that the group was deterred. The Israeli government had allowed Qatari funds to flow into Gaza for over a decade as part of a strategy to maintain relative calm—a policy initiated by Netanyahu and now under heavy scrutiny.

This approach has come under fresh criticism following an internal Shin Bet probe released Tuesday. The report pointed to the Qatari cash transfers as a key factor in Hamas’s ability to build up its military infrastructure, enabling the October 7 assault. Netanyahu has repeatedly defended the policy, stating that security officials endorsed it and that the funds were earmarked for salaries and welfare payments.

Tensions between Netanyahu and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar have escalated, with reports suggesting the prime minister is seeking to remove him from his position. Bar, however, has vowed to remain in his role until all Israeli hostages in Gaza are returned and an official commission of inquiry into the government’s failures is established.

Netanyahu’s government has resisted calls for such an inquiry, arguing that it would be politically biased. The opposition, however, sees the prime minister’s reluctance as an effort to evade responsibility for the catastrophic intelligence and security lapses leading up to October 7.

Adding to the pressure on Netanyahu, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara recently ordered a criminal probe into allegations of commercial ties between Netanyahu’s top aides and Qatar. The investigation will look into whether any officials had improper financial dealings with the Gulf state, which has played a crucial role in funding Gaza and negotiating hostage releases.

As criticism mounts, Netanyahu continues to reject calls for early elections, insisting that Israel must remain focused on the war in Gaza. However, political analysts say the latest revelations, combined with ongoing protests and growing dissatisfaction within his own government, could significantly weaken his grip on power.