Fact Check: Israel killed its own citizens on October 7, known as the Hannibal Directive

Fact Check: "Israel killed its own citizens on October 7, known as the Hannibal Directive"

What We Know

On October 7, 2023, a significant and deadly attack was launched by Hamas against Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 800 civilians and around 300 soldiers (source-2). In the chaos that ensued, there have been allegations that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) invoked the controversial "Hannibal Directive," a military protocol designed to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers by enemy forces. This directive allows for the use of lethal force, even at the risk of harming the soldiers it aims to protect (source-1).

The Hannibal Directive was introduced in 1986 and has undergone various modifications over the years. It is intended to stop kidnappings "by all means," which has led to interpretations that prioritize preventing abduction over the safety of the soldiers involved (source-1). Reports indicate that during the October 7 attacks, IDF commanders ordered the implementation of this directive, leading to the deaths of Israeli citizens, including those mistakenly identified as hostages (source-2, source-7).

Analysis

The claim that Israel killed its own citizens under the Hannibal Directive on October 7 is supported by multiple reports and testimonies. For instance, Israeli media outlets, including Haaretz, have documented that IDF commanders explicitly referenced the Hannibal Directive during the chaos of the Hamas attacks, suggesting a direct order to engage potentially at the cost of civilian lives (source-8).

However, the IDF has not officially confirmed the invocation of the directive on that day, stating that it is one of many aspects under investigation (source-2). This lack of clarity raises questions about the reliability of the claims and the potential for bias in reporting.

Critics of the directive, including Israeli philosopher Asa Kasher, have argued that the interpretation of the directive has led to a culture where killing a soldier to prevent capture is seen as acceptable, which is legally and ethically contentious (source-2). The implications of this directive, especially during a high-stress situation like the October 7 attacks, have resulted in tragic outcomes, including the deaths of Israeli civilians.

Conclusion

The claim that Israel killed its own citizens on October 7 due to the invocation of the Hannibal Directive is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence suggesting that the directive was referenced and potentially acted upon during the attacks, the IDF's official stance remains ambiguous, and the full extent of the directive's application on that day is still under investigation. The tragic loss of life, including Israeli citizens, raises serious ethical questions regarding the directive's implementation and the military's accountability in such scenarios.

Fact Check: Israel killed its own citizens on October 7, known as the Hannibal Directive