Israel's Internal Security Agency Admits Failure

Ronen Bar, the head of Israel’s Internal Security Agency (ISA), has admitted responsibility for failing to prevent the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, where over 1,300 people lost their lives. In his first public statement following the attack, Bar acknowledged that the ISA was unable to provide sufficient advance warning to thwart the attack.

A Time for Fighting, Not Investigations

The ISA chief stressed that despite the failure, the immediate focus should be on fighting, not investigations. He revealed that on the day of the attack, his organization set up a special system in cooperation with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to locate and identify kidnapped and missing persons. Various dedicated teams were also formed in response to the evolving needs of the battle.

Stories of Bravery and Courage

Bar highlighted the bravery and courage displayed by his men, who faced dozens of terrorists and shifted from one battle to another. Ten of their finest men were lost, many were wounded, and some had relatives among the casualties. He stressed that countless stories of heroism have emerged, with soldiers engaging the enemy without hesitation.

The Fight Continues

The ISA head asserted, “We are in a war, not ‘another round’”. He emphasized that there are no boundaries or time limits in this fight. The intelligence triangle, according to Bar, is serving its purpose and producing results.

The failure of Israel’s renowned intelligence network, known globally for its efficiency, has left the nation in shock. This admission comes in the wake of IDF Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, also accepting responsibility for failing to stop the attack.