Israeli PM Netanyahu Says He’s Deeply Sorry About Oct 7 Hamas Attack, But No Probe Till After War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed deep remorse for the unprecedented October 7 Hamas attack during an interview with Time magazine, acknowledging the tragedy that occurred under his leadership.

When asked if he would apologise for the events of that day, Netanyahu replied, “Of course, of course. I am sorry, deeply, that something like this happened. And you always look back and you say, Could we have done things that would have prevented it?” Despite his apology, Netanyahu has not formally accepted responsibility for the failures that led to the Hamas assault on southern Israel.

Probe After War

Netanyahu stated that an independent commission would be established after the war to investigate the events leading up to the attack, with all parties, including himself, expected to answer tough questions. The Israeli PM stressed that he intends to remain in office as long as he believes he can lead his country toward security and prosperity.

Netanyahu’s interview comes as the Israeli military has ordered another mass evacuation in large areas around Khan Younis in southern Gaza, saying its forces will soon operate there in response to Palestinian rocket fire. Gaza’s second-largest city, Khan Younis suffered widespread destruction during air and ground operations earlier this year.

Israeli forces have repeatedly returned to heavily destroyed areas of Gaza where they had fought earlier battles against Hamas and other militants since the start of the 10-month-old war. Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis with Israeli restrictions on aid and ongoing fighting limiting access to crucial medical, food and other supplies. The Health Ministry in Gaza says the death toll in the territory is nearing 40,000.

Regional tensions have soared since Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed July 31 in Iran by a presumed Israeli strike. Retaliation has been expected. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a phone call to do everything in his power to avoid a new military escalation that he said would do lasting damage to regional stability.

World leaders have been pushing for a cease-fire in Gaza, and United States President Joe Biden spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday about their hopes for a deal calming tensions in the Middle East. Netanyahu told his Cabinet over the weekend that Israel is already in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies.

(With agency inputs)