Independent Oct. 7 commission: National security ‘collapsed and is no longer suitable’

Israeli leaders must recognize that national security “has collapsed and is no longer suitable,” and must be updated, an independent Civilian Commission of Inquiry probing the government’s failure to prevent October 7 states.

“The basic assumptions on which the security concept is based must be examined again, and frequently. Systematic situation assessments should include an examination of the new threats and the changing intentions of the enemy, and the integration of experts from various fields in the work of intelligence and strategy. There is no doubt that a way must be found to structure the processes in the work of the headquarters at various levels, all the way up to the prime minister,” the commission writes in its final report following over four months of work.

It calls on Israeli intelligence agencies to “develop reliable and effective mechanisms to decisively deal with the misconceptions that will almost inevitably develop among decision-makers” while also cultivating a “culture of listening” paired with the practice of presenting “decision-makers with possible alternatives to existing information along with its own analysis, and to raise possibilities that the enemy will act differently.”

“The first and most significant recommendation is for all of us: to adopt a culture of taking responsibility, learning, investigation, and correction at the national level,” the commission states.

“Every system, large and small, must have a control and review system in numerous areas, particularly those concerning policy, strategy and human life. The Israel Defense Forces needs such a system, and the Israeli government needs it as well.”

The commission also recommends focusing heavily on a strategy for “the day after” in Lebanon, Gaza and the wider Middle East — as well as making efforts to bolster security in the south.

“Observation, fire, command and control must be hidden from the enemy and protected in routine and emergency situations” while “the civil defense system must be rebuilt and be able to respond to its purpose of protecting the settlements until the army arrives.”