Fact Check: Israel used the Hannibal Directive on Oct 7 and is responsible for most of the casualties that day

The Claim: "Israel used the Hannibal Directive on Oct 7 and is responsible for most of the casualties that day"

Introduction

The claim that "Israel used the Hannibal Directive on Oct 7 and is responsible for most of the casualties that day" has emerged amidst ongoing discussions about the events surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. The Hannibal Directive, a controversial military protocol aimed at preventing the capture of Israeli soldiers, has been scrutinized for its implications on civilian casualties. This article will explore the available evidence regarding the application of this directive on the day in question and the subsequent impact on casualties.

What We Know

1. Hannibal Directive Overview: The Hannibal Directive is a military protocol that allows for aggressive measures to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers, potentially including the use of lethal force in situations where soldiers are at risk of being taken hostage. Its use has been controversial due to the potential for high civilian casualties 34.

2. Casualties on October 7: Reports indicate that the day of the Hamas attack saw significant casualties, with estimates suggesting that both Israeli military personnel and civilians were affected. A UN report indicated that at least 14 Israeli civilians were likely killed by their own forces due to the application of the Hannibal Directive 27.

3. Investigations and Reports: Various investigations have been conducted regarding the events of October 7. A report by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth concluded that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had effectively applied the Hannibal Directive during the attack, leading to numerous friendly-fire incidents 1. Additionally, a report from Middle East Eye corroborated these findings, suggesting that many casualties were caused by Israeli forces, both intentionally and unintentionally 68.

4. Conflicting Accounts: While some sources assert that the Hannibal Directive was invoked and led to significant casualties among Israeli forces, others emphasize the chaotic nature of the conflict and the challenges of distinguishing between enemy and friendly fire in such a tumultuous environment 59.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim involves multiple sources, each with varying degrees of reliability and potential biases:

• Wikipedia Articles: The Wikipedia entries provide a broad overview of the events and the Hannibal Directive, but they rely on secondary sources. While they can be useful for context, they should not be considered definitive due to the potential for bias and the lack of primary source verification 123.

• News Reports: Outlets like The Times of Israel and Al Jazeera have reported on the application of the Hannibal Directive, citing investigations and expert opinions. However, these sources may have inherent biases based on their editorial slants—The Times of Israel generally supports the Israeli government, while Al Jazeera is often viewed as sympathetic to Palestinian perspectives 49.

• UN Reports: The UN's findings are significant as they come from an independent body, potentially lending more credibility to claims of civilian casualties resulting from the directive's application. However, the UN's reports can also be subject to political influences and interpretations, which may affect their conclusions 7.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those with direct ties to military or governmental entities, may have conflicts of interest that could influence their reporting. For example, reports from Israeli military sources may downplay the extent of friendly fire incidents or the implications of the Hannibal Directive 10.

The methodology behind the claims regarding the Hannibal Directive's application and its consequences warrants scrutiny. Investigative reports often rely on eyewitness accounts, military statements, and analysis of the aftermath, which can vary widely in accuracy and interpretation.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Israel used the Hannibal Directive on Oct 7 and is responsible for most of the casualties that day" is partially true based on the evidence reviewed. Reports indicate that the Hannibal Directive was indeed invoked during the events of October 7, leading to significant casualties, including friendly fire incidents that resulted in the deaths of Israeli civilians. The UN report highlighting at least 14 Israeli civilians killed by their own forces lends credence to the assertion that the directive's application contributed to the overall casualty count.

However, the chaotic nature of the conflict and the conflicting accounts from various sources introduce uncertainty regarding the extent of responsibility attributed to the Hannibal Directive. While some reports suggest a direct link between the directive's use and the casualties, others emphasize the complexities of distinguishing between enemy and friendly fire in such a tumultuous environment.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence, as many sources rely on secondary reporting and may be influenced by political biases. The situation remains fluid, and further investigations may provide additional clarity.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims related to complex and evolving situations such as this one.

Sources

1. October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel - Wikipedia. Link
2. Friendly fire during the Gaza war - Wikipedia. Link
3. Hannibal Directive - Wikipedia. Link
4. IDF officers invoked defunct 'Hannibal Protocol' during Oct. 7 fighting - report | The Times of Israel. Link
5. How Israel killed hundreds of its own people on 7 October | The Electronic Intifada. Link
6. Israeli army investigation suggests many 7 October casualties caused by ... | Middle East Eye. Link
7. UN finds at least 14 Israelis likely intentionally killed by own army on 7 October | Middle East Eye. Link
8. Israeli forces accused of killing their own citizens under the 'Hannibal Directive' during October 7 chaos - ABC News. Link
9. Israeli army used Hannibal Directive during October 7 Hamas attack: Report | Al Jazeera. Link
10. Ex Israel Army Chief Admits Using Hannibal Directive Against Own Soldiers. Link