Sep 02, 2026

Israel News Today: Netanyahu Says Officials Failed to Wake Him Before Oct. 7 as Hamas Security Chief Is Captured in Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that senior defense officials deliberately chose not to wake him in the hours before the October 7, 2023 attack, before clarifying that he was alleging "failure" rather than "betrayal." Israeli special forces captured the head of Hamas's internal security apparatus in Gaza City, while Iran launched drones and missiles at US allies across the region.

Netanyahu's October 7 Claims

In an Instagram livestream, Netanyahu claimed that senior IDF and defense officials deliberately chose not to wake him before Hamas's October 7 onslaught because "they knew that, as prime minister of Israel, I would have immediately given the order to put the entire military on alert," The Times of Israel reported. He later released a video clarifying that he was not accusing top security officials of "betrayal," only of "failure." Separately, Sara Netanyahu refused to apologise to Democrats leader Yair Golan over a conspiracy theory she had spread about him, and threatened to countersue.

Hamas Internal Security Chief Captured in Gaza City

Footage published by Al Jazeera showed the raid in Gaza City in which Muein al-Arabid, the chief of Hamas's internal security apparatus, was captured, according to The Times of Israel. The IDF and Shin Bet said the operation was carried out by the security agency's special forces.

Iran Strikes US Allies in the Region

Kuwait and Bahrain reported that their air defences were activated against incoming Iranian drones, and Jordan said it intercepted 10 of 13 ballistic missiles launched from Iran, with three landing in remote areas, The Times of Israel reported.

Netanyahu Meets US Envoys Ahead of Israel-Lebanon Talks

Netanyahu met in Jerusalem with US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who have been involved in the US-mediated direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, The Times of Israel reported. The Prime Minister's Office gave no details of the discussion.

IDF Dismisses Reservist Commander Over Qusra Outpost

The IDF dismissed a reservist commander who, with his troops, joined settlers for prayers at an illegal outpost set up in the Palestinian village of Qusra instead of removing them, saying he acted "contrary to the instructions given to him," The Times of Israel reported.

Election Campaign: Smotrich and Feiglin Join Forces

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that his Religious Zionism party will run as a technical bloc with Moshe Feiglin's Zehut in the upcoming elections, amid pressure from Netanyahu to unite smaller right-wing parties, according to The Times of Israel.

Navy's Sixth Submarine Sets Sail for Israel

The Israeli Navy's sixth submarine, the Dolphin 2-class INS Drakon, is on its way to Israel from Germany after a ceremony at Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems' shipyard in Kiel, the IDF and Defense Ministry announced, The Times of Israel reported.