Netanyahu ousts national security adviser Hanegbi, who writes: ‘Terrible failure of October 7 must be thoroughly investigated’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells his National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi that he is being replaced, effective immediately, according to a statement Hanegbi sent to the press today.

A longtime senior Likud party member and minister since the 1990s, Hanegbi reportedly opposed Netanyahu’s plan to invade Gaza City over the summer, and last month’s unsuccessful strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar.

Hanegbi acknowledges disagreements with his former boss in his statement.

“I thanked the prime minister for the privilege of being a partner in shaping Israel’s foreign and security policy during challenging years — for the opportunity to express an independent position in sensitive discussions, and for the professional dialogue we maintained, even in times of disagreement,” he says.

He warns that the war that started on October 7, 2023, in which a ceasefire recently took effect, “has not yet ended.”

“Our fighters remain on guard on many fronts,” he says, “and the mission to bring all our hostages home has not yet been completed. Nor has the obligation yet been fulfilled — by diplomatic or military means — to ensure that the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip are removed from power, disarmed, and that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.”

Netanyahu defined his goals in the war as returning the hostages, defeating Hamas and ensuring that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel.

Hanegbi admits his own responsibility for the “terrible failure of October 7,” and says it “must be thoroughly investigated to ensure that the necessary lessons are learned and to help restore the public trust that has been shaken.”

“We must all remain committed and attentive to the needs of those who have borne the dearest price of all — the bereaved families and the wounded, in body and soul,” says Hanegbi.

He calls for unity within Israeli society, calling it “essential to ensuring the eternity of Israel.”

Netanyahu has lost other key members of his inner circle as well. Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman is heading to the Court of St. James to serve as Israel’s ambassador in London, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is expected to step away from public service in the coming months. The prime minister fired defense minister Yoav Gallant last November.