Overview
- Channel 12, citing a senior defense official, reports that in early 2023 Israel’s Shin Bet repeatedly located Yahya Sinwar and recommended strikes that were not authorized.
- The report says the opportunities clustered in February and March 2023 and that Netanyahu did not convene senior officials to formally consider the proposals.
- Netanyahu’s office rejects the account as backward, asserting he repeatedly pressed to eliminate Hamas leaders and that security chiefs blocked action, pointing to meeting minutes.
- Channel 12 commentary referenced discussions in which security officials urged caution about escalating against Hamas before Oct. 7, according to the VINnews summary.
- The allegations, which follow earlier reporting on an Oct. 1, 2023 request to target Sinwar and note he was later killed in October 2024, add to ongoing probes of prewar intelligence and decision-making.