Former Israeli Defence Minister confirms use of Hannibal Directive
What's the story
In a recent interview with Israel's Channel 12, former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed the use of the contentious Hannibal Directive during a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Gallant said, "I think that, tactically, in some places, it was given, and in other places, it was not given, and that is a problem."
The directive allows for force to prevent captives from falling into enemy hands even at the risk of killing hostages.
Civilian toll
Impact of Hannibal Directive on Israeli casualties
The attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,100 Israeli soldiers and civilians. Gallant's admission suggests that the Hannibal Directive may have resulted in some of these deaths.
The Israeli military sent helicopters, drones, and tanks after Hamas fighters but also hit Israelis held captive.
United Nations reports said Israeli attack helicopters opened fire on civilians at the Nova music festival near the Re'im military base.
Missed opportunity
Gallant advocated for major attack on Hezbollah
Gallant disclosed his push for a major strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon on October 11, 2023.
He called the government's inaction "Israel's greatest missed security opportunity."
Israeli forces, according to Gallant, had intel about a Hezbollah meeting that could have taken out top leaders such as Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian officials.
He argued an early strike could have wiped out "90% or more" of Hezbollah's missile stockpile.
Delayed ceasefire
Gallant criticizes government's handling of hostage situation
Gallant accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet of delaying a possible ceasefire deal with Hamas.
He alleged a similar deal was on the table in April 2024 that could have ensured more hostage releases while reducing Palestinian prisoner releases.
Gallant said, "I think that the Israeli government did not do everything it could have to return the hostages."
Several of the 251 Israeli captives taken by Hamas were subsequently killed by Israeli airstrikes and friendly fire.
Leadership change
Israeli general resigns amid security failures
The October 7 attack led to the resignation of Israel's top general, Herzi Halevi, in January over a "terrible failure" in security and intelligence.
Since then, Israel's relentless bombardment of Gaza has killed at least 47,000 Palestinians. Some estimates put the death toll over 200,000.
The conflict has persisted with three Israeli hostages released on February 8 as part of a deal to free 183 Palestinian prisoners.