Fact Check: Israel used the hannibal directive and killed their own people on October 7th

Claim Analysis: "Israel used the Hannibal Directive and killed their own people on October 7th"

Introduction

The claim under scrutiny is that Israel invoked the Hannibal Directive during the events of October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of its own citizens. The Hannibal Directive is a controversial military protocol that allows the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to use lethal force to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers. This claim has been reported by various sources, prompting a need for a thorough examination of the evidence and context surrounding it.

What We Know

1. Hannibal Directive Overview: The Hannibal Directive was established in 1986 and is designed to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers by enemy forces, even if it means risking civilian lives. It has been a subject of significant debate and criticism due to its implications for civilian safety 1.

2. Events of October 7, 2023: On this date, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, leading to significant military engagement. Reports indicate that during the chaos, the IDF issued orders related to the Hannibal Directive 28.

3. Casualties: Various investigations and reports suggest that the implementation of the Hannibal Directive on October 7 may have resulted in the deaths of Israeli civilians. A UN report indicated that at least 14 Israelis were likely killed by their own military during this operation 9.

4. Official Acknowledgments: Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has reportedly admitted to authorizing the use of the Hannibal Directive during the events of October 7, which adds a layer of official recognition to the claim 7.

5. Media Coverage: Several reputable news outlets, including Haaretz and Al Jazeera, have reported on the invocation of the Hannibal Directive during the October 7 incidents, citing military sources and testimonies 108.

Analysis

The claim that Israel used the Hannibal Directive on October 7 and resulted in the deaths of its own people is supported by multiple sources, but the reliability and potential biases of these sources warrant careful examination.

1. Source Credibility:

   • Wikipedia: While it provides a foundational understanding of the Hannibal Directive, it is not a primary source and should be used cautiously 1.
   • Electronic Intifada: This outlet is known for its critical stance on Israeli policies, which may introduce bias. However, it cites military and intelligence reporters, adding some credibility to its claims 2.
   • Times of Israel: Generally regarded as a reliable source, it provides detailed accounts of military actions and has reported on the invocation of the Hannibal Directive with reference to military documents 3.
   • Al Jazeera: This outlet has a mixed reputation, often criticized for bias in its reporting on Israel and Palestine. Nevertheless, it provides detailed accounts and context that are valuable for understanding the situation 8.
   • UN Reports: The UN's findings are generally considered credible, although the interpretation of their findings can vary based on political perspectives 9.

2. Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have inherent biases based on their editorial policies or the political affiliations of their ownership. For instance, Electronic Intifada and Al Jazeera often present narratives critical of Israel, which may color their reporting.

3. Methodology: The methodologies behind the claims vary. Reports from military sources and investigations into the events of October 7 rely on testimonies, military communications, and analysis of the aftermath. However, the chaotic nature of the events raises questions about the accuracy of these accounts.

4. Supporting vs. Contradicting Evidence: While many sources corroborate the claim that the Hannibal Directive was invoked and resulted in civilian casualties, there is a lack of comprehensive independent verification of the exact circumstances and numbers involved. Additional information, such as eyewitness accounts and detailed military reports, would be beneficial to fully understand the implications of the directive's use.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that Israel invoked the Hannibal Directive on October 7, 2023, leading to the deaths of its own citizens is supported by several credible sources, including official acknowledgments and reports from reputable news outlets. However, the evidence is not entirely conclusive, as there are significant limitations in the available data. The chaotic nature of the events and potential biases in reporting complicate the assessment of the claim's accuracy.

While there is a consensus among multiple reports that the directive was used and resulted in civilian casualties, the exact circumstances and numbers remain uncertain. The reliance on testimonies and military communications, coupled with the potential for conflicting narratives, underscores the need for caution in interpreting these findings.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the complexities involved in such claims, recognizing that the truth may be multifaceted and subject to interpretation.

Sources

1. Hannibal Directive - Wikipedia. Link
2. How Israel killed hundreds of its own people on 7 October - Electronic Intifada. Link
3. IDF officers invoked defunct 'Hannibal Protocol' during Oct. 7 fighting - Times of Israel. Link
4. Israel accused of killing its own civilians under the 'Hannibal Directive' - ABC News. Link
5. What does the report into Israeli military failures on October 7 say? - Al Jazeera. Link
6. Did Israel's military kill its own civilians on Oct. 7? - The Real News. Link
7. Ex Israel Army Chief Admits Using Hannibal Directive Against Own Soldiers - NDTV. Link
8. Why did Israel deploy Hannibal Directive, allowing killing of own citizens? - Al Jazeera. Link
9. UN finds at least 14 Israelis likely intentionally killed by own army - Middle East Eye. Link
10. IDF ordered Hannibal directive on October 7 to prevent Hamas taking soldiers captive - Haaretz. Link