Chikli Says Intelligence Agencies Prioritized Gaza’s Economy Over Hamas’s War Plans

Amichai Chikli criticized Military Intelligence and the Shin Bet on October 9, saying their approach before October 7 emphasized economic incentives for Gaza instead of Hamas’s military capabilities and plans. He argued that this outlook influenced political and operational decision-makers and diverted attention from concrete warnings. His post named the late Brig. Gen. Amit Saar, formerly head of Military Intelligence’s Research Division, and former Shin Bet director Ronen Bar. Chikli also praised intelligence noncommissioned officer V. for warning about Hamas’s military preparations in July 2023, saying her warning was dismissed.