Call Me Back - with Dan Senor Accounting for the Failure of October 7 - with Yaakov Katz
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Sep 4, 2025 Yaakov Katz, an Israeli journalist and former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, joins to dissect the monumental security failures surrounding October 7. He shares insights into how Hamas breached Israel's defenses, exposing deep-rooted issues within the security apparatus and government accountability. Katz also explores the historical context leading to the attack, discussing neglected warnings and the reliance on flawed intelligence. His reflections shine a light on the complacency in leadership and the ongoing struggles Israel faces in national security.
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Containment Became Dangerous Consensus
- Israel adopted a containment policy toward Gaza that relied on cash transfers and periodic military skirmishes to manage Hamas.
- That policy assumed money and occasional force could reduce the long-term threat, which proved misleading.
Technology Created Blind Spots
- Israel focused heavily on technical defenses like Iron Dome and anti-tunnel measures while neglecting other threat vectors.
- That technological focus blinded planners to above-ground infiltration and deep tunnel networks inside Gaza.
SIM Cards And Missed Warnings
- Multiple technical warning signs preceded October 7th, including unexpected Israeli SIM cards appearing inside Gaza.
- Intelligence analysts debated whether these were drills, and that doubt delayed decisive moves overnight.
