Ten days before the October 7 Hamas-led massacre, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly issued a directive to Israeli security and government officials to act to contain and minimize the potential for escalation in the Gaza Strip. According to the report, this decision was prompted by intelligence provided by the Egyptian intelligence chief, who warned that Hamas was preparing for a significant escalation.

In response to these warnings, the Prime Minister’s office allegedly sought to prioritize humanitarian efforts within the Strip. The report suggests that the Egyptian intelligence chief had advised Israel to offer concessions to Hamas in an attempt to stabilize the region and prevent a larger conflict. The directive to 'contain and minimize' the escalation reflects a strategic attempt to maintain the status quo and avoid a full-scale military confrontation during that period.

While the report highlights the specific instructions given by the Prime Minister, it does not detail the internal security discussions that followed or the extent to which these humanitarian concessions were implemented. The disclosure raises questions regarding the Israeli government's assessment of the threat posed by Hamas in the days leading up to the attack. The report serves as a focal point for ongoing discussions about the intelligence and policy decisions made by the Israeli leadership in the lead-up to the war.