Opposition leader Yair Lapid has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, accusing him of presenting a false account to the State Comptroller and attempting to cover up failures. Lapid alleges that Netanyahu relied on manipulations, deceptions, and shifting blame to subordinates, while omitting his longstanding policy of strengthening Hamas as a counter-force to the Palestinian Authority, which Lapid claims contributed to the attack.

Lapid further contends that Netanyahu blocked a full state investigation into the events, harming national security and preventing corrective measures. He recalls receiving alarming intelligence warnings before the attack and questions Netanyahu's response timeline on the day of the assault, suggesting critical delays and inconsistencies.

Lapid also disputes Netanyahu's statements regarding Qatari funding to Gaza, asserting that intelligence showed the money was used for weapons procurement by Hamas. He concludes that the October 7 disaster was not inevitable and could have been prevented with different policies and leadership.