Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deleted the post he published overnight on X (formerly Twitter) against the heads of the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence and apologized for his words after receiving harsh criticism from his cabinet colleague Minister Benny Gantz and opposition leader Yair Lapid.
"I was wrong. The things I said following the press conference should not have been said and I apologize for that. I give full support to all the heads of the security forces. I strengthen the Chief of Staff and the IDF commanders and soldiers who are at the front and fighting for our home. Together we will be victorious," wrote Netanyahu.
In the now-deleted post, Netanyahu stated that "contrary to the false claims: under no circumstances and at no stage was Prime Minister Netanyahu warned of intentions to wage war on the part of Hamas."
"On the contrary, all the security forces, including the head of the IDF and the head of the Shin Bet, estimated that Hamas was deterred and wanted the improve the situation in Gaza. This is the assessment that was presented time and time again to the prime minister and the cabinet by all the security forces and the intelligence community, including up to the outbreak of the war," the statement added.
National Unity Party chairman Benny Gantz said in response to Netanyahu's original post: "This morning in particular, I want to give my backing to and strengthen all the security forces and IDF soldiers - including the Chief of Staff, the head of the IDF and the head of the Shin Bet," Gantz wrote. "When we are at war, our leaders need to show responsibility, decide to do the right things and strengthen the forces in such a way that they can realize what we demand of them. Any other action or statement harms the people's ability to endure and its strength."
He also wrote: "The prime minister must retract his statement last night and stop speaking about the issue."
"I said yesterday that a heavy burden rests on the shoulders of the heads of the security arms for what was and will be. This morning, I would like to emphasize - - we are all with you and behind you, the entire Israeli society carries the burden with you. Do not look up or back - continue your mission. I love you, appreciate you, and support you."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also responded and wrote: "Netanyahu crossed a red line tonight. While IDF soldiers and commanders are fighting valiantly against Hamas and Hezbollah, he engages in attempts to blame them instead of backing them up. Attempts to evade responsibility and blame the security system weaken the IDF while it fights Israel's enemies. Netanyahu must apologize for his statements."