I'm sorry, says Benjamin Netanyahu for Hamas' October 7 attack, refraining from taking any responsibility
Hamas launched the deadliest attack in Israel's history on October 7.
Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is “sorry” for the attack by Hamas in the country on October 7, 2023. This was published in an interview with Time magazine on Thursday, 08 August 2024. According to the interview, Netanyahu said he “regretted” that Hamas was able to carry out the October 7 attack. However, he
He was asked during the interview if he would apologize for the Hamas attack to which he replied, “Apologize?” Answered that. As quoted by the Sutras.
Notably, the worst attack in Israel has prompted an Israeli prime minister to apologize for security failures. Asked if he would apologise, he insisted his focus was on destroying Hamas.
“Of course, of course. I am deeply sorry that something like this happened. And you always look back and you say, 'Could we have done things that could have prevented that?'” he said.
Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister and has portrayed himself as a staunch defender of Israel's security.
Shortly after the October 7 attack, Netanyahu posted on social media that the intelligence services had failed to anticipate and warn Hamas of the operation.
He deleted the post and apologized after many Israelis accused him of deflecting blame and endangering national unity, AFP reported.
Time asked Netanyahu what his message would be to a political rival presiding over the country's worst security failure. Netanyahu replied that it depends on whether the leader can lead Israel “to victory.”
“Can they guarantee that the post-war situation will be one of peace and security? If the answer is yes, they should stay in power,” Netanyahu said.
Hamas launched the deadliest attack in Israel's history on October 7. A total of 1,198 people died, mostly civilians, according to AFP figures based on official Israeli figures.
They captured 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still trapped in Gaza, 39 of whom the Israeli military said were dead.
Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,677 people, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which does not provide details of civilian and terrorist deaths.
(with AFP input)
