Documents contradicting the findings of the Shin Bet’s internal probe into the October 7 massacre and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar’s own statements were revealed in an exclusive report by Yisrael Hayom.

The documents, published for the first time, reveal Bar’s consistent support in the years before the massacre for maintaining quiet in Gaza and even eroding Hamas’s power through maintaining economic stability in the Strip.

Two days before the massacre, Bar outlined two strategic options regarding Gaza: a short-term “calming” process without conditions tied to ongoing negotiations with Hamas for the return of the two Israelis they were holding and two bodies of IDF soldiers; or a long-term approach involving significant relief and development of Gaza, contingent on a hostage deal and reducing terror directed from Gaza. He emphasized humanitarian relief, stating, “Providing humanitarian concessions to Gaza as ‘goodwill,’  humanitarian relief, increasing the number of workers by an additional 1,500, water, and transferring medicines.”

The documents contradict Bar’s recent statements and letter to the government in the days before his dismissal. His letter stated: “Within the framework of the process regarding the desire to end my tenure, which I hope will be conducted lawfully, and in light of the claims in the proposed decision, I will present a full detailing of offensive actions and recommendations for strategic discussions, derived from my security and strategic perception, which I brought for the approval of the prime minister, both before October 7 and after, and most of which were not advanced by him.”

The internal Shin Bet investigation denied understimating Hamas’ power, stating: “The investigation did not find that the Shin Bet belittled the enemy. On the contrary – there was a deep understanding of the threat, initiatives, and a desire to thwart the threat, especially Hamas leaders.”

However, in the years before October 7,  Bar did not recommend carrying out targeted eliminations of Hamas leaders. And although the Shin Bet probe stated that Qatari funding was one of the factors that led to Hamas’s empowerment, it failed to mention Bar’s repeated recommendations to advance economic stability in the Strip to achieve calm.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)