Gantz accuses Netanyahu of ‘rewriting history’ by deflecting blame for October 7

By Ariela Karmel

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9 February 2026, 3:51 pm

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Ariela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.

Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz speaks at a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on February 9, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz calls Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 55-page document deflecting responsibility for the October 7 attacks a “rewriting of history,” noting that he was present in the room on many occasions, both as IDF chief of staff and later in successive governments led by Netanyahu, when the premier chose not to pursue various policies that he has since blamed on the defense and intelligence establishment.

The premier published last week a document of answers he gave to State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman as part of the ombudsman’s investigation into the October 7 attacks.

Netanyahu, who has served as prime minister since 2009, save for an 18-month period from 2021-2022, has been criticized for seeking to portray himself as having sought far-reaching action against Hamas, while being thwarted by the objections of security chiefs and the lack of public backing for such a move.

“I was there as chief of staff when I told him we were ready to strike Iran and he decided not to,” says Gantz, speaking to reporters before a faction meeting at the Knesset.

“When I presented the implications of conquering Gaza and the entire cabinet decided not to conquer it, and when, after I proposed seizing the Netzarim Corridor, the political echelon decided not to seize it,” he continues.

“And, I was there when I warned Netanyahu and [Justice Minister] Yariv Levin that the rush toward a judicial overhaul would bring disaster upon us, and they decided to keep rushing ahead and brought upon us a disaster we could not have imagined,” Gantz says.

“Even if we ignore the rewriting of history, Netanyahu has presented a severe indictment against himself. He was the one who insisted on leaving ‘Hamas deterred and weakened’ in power,” Gantz adds.

The party leader notes that Netanyahu readily takes credit for successes and positive developments, but when it comes to failures or disasters, he deflects blame, attributing them instead to “the deep state.”