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

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

1. Introduction

The claim in question asserts that on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas-led attack, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) invoked the so-called "Hannibal Directive," resulting in the deaths of Israeli citizens, including hostages. This directive, historically controversial, allegedly allows for the use of lethal force to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers, even at the risk of civilian lives. The implications of this claim are significant, raising questions about military ethics and the protection of civilians in conflict.

2. What We Know

The Hannibal Directive has been a contentious part of Israeli military policy, traditionally aimed at preventing the capture of soldiers by enemy forces. According to various sources, on October 7, the directive was reportedly enacted in response to a large-scale attack by Hamas, which included attempts to capture Israeli soldiers and civilians.

1. Casualty Figures: An investigation by the IDF indicated that 41 people were killed during the implementation of the directive, including both Hamas combatants and civilians 1.

2. Military Orders: Reports indicate that IDF officers were instructed to prevent kidnappings by any means necessary, which included the use of heavy firepower 28.

3. Civilian Impact: Multiple sources, including the UN, have documented instances where Israeli forces allegedly killed their own citizens during the chaos of the October 7 attacks, with claims of at least 14 civilians being intentionally killed 9.

4. Official Acknowledgments: Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that the Hannibal Directive was authorized during the events of October 7, stating that the military was operating under extreme pressure and urgency 710.

5. Investigative Reports: Various media outlets, including Haaretz and Al Jazeera, have reported on the chaotic circumstances surrounding the directive's implementation, suggesting that decisions were made rapidly without complete information 38.

3. Analysis

The reliability of the sources reporting on the Hannibal Directive and its implications varies significantly.

• Credible Sources: Established news organizations like Haaretz and The Times of Israel generally have a reputation for rigorous journalism, although they may exhibit some bias based on their political contexts. For instance, Haaretz is known for its critical stance on Israeli government policies, which could influence its reporting 8.

• Investigative Reports: The Electronic Intifada and Al Jazeera provide detailed accounts of the events but may carry a bias against Israeli actions, reflecting their editorial slant towards Palestinian perspectives. This could affect the interpretation of the events described 53.

• Official Statements: The acknowledgment from Israeli officials, including Gallant, lends some credibility to the claim that the directive was enacted. However, such statements should be scrutinized for potential political motivations, especially in the context of ongoing conflict and public scrutiny 7.

• UN Reports: The UN's findings on the matter provide an external perspective, but the organization's reports can sometimes be perceived as politically charged, depending on the geopolitical context 9.

Methodological Concerns

The methodology behind the casualty figures and the invocation of the Hannibal Directive requires careful examination. The IDF's internal investigations may be subject to biases, particularly in how they categorize civilian versus combatant casualties. Furthermore, the chaotic nature of the events on October 7 complicates the ability to ascertain definitive accounts of what occurred.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Israel killed its own citizens on October 7, 2023, in the context of the Hannibal Directive is partially true. Evidence indicates that the directive was indeed invoked during the Hamas-led attack, resulting in the deaths of both combatants and civilians. Reports suggest that at least 14 civilians may have been intentionally killed, and the IDF's internal investigations acknowledge a total of 41 casualties during the directive's implementation.

However, the context surrounding these events is complex. The chaotic nature of the situation, the potential biases in reporting, and the varying interpretations of military orders contribute to uncertainty about the full extent of civilian casualties and the intent behind the actions taken by the IDF. The acknowledgment from Israeli officials adds credibility to the claim but also raises questions about the motivations behind such statements.

It is important to recognize the limitations in the available evidence, as the situation on the ground was fluid and rapidly evolving. The reliance on various sources, each with their own potential biases, further complicates the assessment of the claim.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding this sensitive topic, considering the nuances and complexities involved in military operations and the reporting surrounding them.

5. Sources

1. Hannibal Directive - Wikipedia. Link
2. IDF officers invoked defunct 'Hannibal Protocol' during Oct. 7 fighting - report | The Times of Israel. Link
3. Why did Israel deploy Hannibal Directive, allowing killing of own citizens? | Al Jazeera. Link
4. Israeli forces accused of killing their own citizens under the 'Hannibal Directive' during October 7 chaos - ABC News. Link
5. How Israel killed hundreds of its own people on 7 October | The Electronic Intifada. Link
6. What does the report into Israeli military failures on October ... | Al Jazeera. Link
7. Ex Israel Army Chief Admits Using Hannibal Directive Against Own Soldiers | NDTV. Link
8. IDF Ordered Hannibal Directive on October 7 to Prevent Hamas Taking Soldiers Captive - Israel News - Haaretz.com. Link
9. UN finds at least 14 Israelis likely intentionally killed by own army ... | Middle East Eye. Link
10. Army was ordered to kill Israelis on 7 October, defense minister confirms | The Electronic Intifada. Link