Yoav Gallant, defence minister on October 7 2023, has admitted the use of Hannibal Directive on that day.
On October 7th, 2023, Israel’s military response to a devastating attack by Hamas militants sparked global outrage and condemnation. Amid the chaos, evidence emerged suggesting that Israeli forces may have invoked the controversial Hannibal Directive—a protocol that permits extreme measures, including endangering the lives of captured soldiers, to prevent their abduction. What followed was not only a tragic loss of life but also a disturbing attempt by Israeli authorities to deny responsibility for the deaths of their own citizens. The following condemns both the use of the Hannibal Directive and the subsequent efforts to obscure the truth.
The Hannibal Directive: A Brutal and Unjustifiable Policy
The Hannibal Directive, though officially rescinded in 2016, remains a dark stain on Israel’s military history. Designed to prevent the capture of soldiers by enemy forces, the directive allows for the use of overwhelming force, even if it risks the lives of the captives. On October 7th, as Hamas militants breached Israel’s borders and took hostages, reports indicate that Israeli forces responded with indiscriminate artillery fire and airstrikes in areas where captives were believed to be held. This reckless escalation led to the deaths of both militants and Israeli civilians, including those taken hostage.
The use of such a directive is morally indefensible. It prioritises military strategy over human life, violating the most basic principles of international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians and prisoners of war. By employing such tactics, Israel not only endangered its own people but also demonstrated a callous disregard for the value of human life.
Denial and Distortion: A Betrayal of Trust
Even more egregious than the use of the Hannibal Directive is the Israeli government’s subsequent denial of responsibility for the deaths of its own citizens. In the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, Israeli officials were quick to blame Hamas entirely for the carnage, refusing to acknowledge the role their own military actions may have played. This denial is not only dishonest but also a betrayal of the trust placed in the government by its citizens.
Eyewitness accounts, survivor testimonies, and independent investigations have all pointed to the likelihood that Israeli firepower contributed to the high civilian death toll. Yet, instead of confronting this reality, Israeli authorities have sought to deflect blame, using the tragedy to further their narrative of victimhood and justify even more aggressive military actions. This manipulation of the truth is a grave injustice to the victims and their families, who deserve transparency and accountability.
A Violation of International Law and Moral Principles
The use of the Hannibal Directive and the subsequent denial of responsibility are not merely ethical failures—they are violations of international law. The principle of proportionality, enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, prohibits military actions that cause excessive harm to civilians relative to the anticipated military advantage. By employing indiscriminate force in densely populated areas, Israel’s actions on October 7th likely breached this principle.
Moreover, the refusal to acknowledge these actions undermines the credibility of Israel’s claims to moral superiority in its conflict with Hamas. How can a nation that professes to value human life and democracy justify policies that sacrifice its own citizens and then deny any wrongdoing? This hypocrisy erodes Israel’s standing on the global stage and alienates even its staunchest allies.
A Call for Accountability and Justice
The events of October 7th, 2023, must serve as a wake-up call to the international community. The use of the Hannibal Directive and the subsequent denial of responsibility cannot be swept under the rug. There must be an independent, impartial investigation into the actions of the Israeli military on that day, with those responsible held to account for their decisions.
Furthermore, the Israeli government must confront the moral and legal implications of its policies. The lives of its citizens are not expendable, and the pursuit of security must not come at the cost of humanity. The families of the victims deserve answers, not obfuscation, and the world deserves a commitment to justice and transparency.
In summary, the use of the Hannibal Directive on October 7th, 2023, and the subsequent denial of responsibility by Israeli authorities, represent a profound moral and ethical failure. These actions not only cost innocent lives but also undermined the principles of accountability and justice that are essential to any democratic society. It is time for Israel to reckon with the consequences of its policies and for the international community to demand accountability. The victims of this tragedy deserve nothing less.
