WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview published Thursday that he was “regretful” that Hamas was able to carry out its October 7 attack without explicitly claiming responsibility.
Netanyahu, who has resisted apologizing for security failures in Israel's worst attack and focused on destroying Hamas, was asked during an interview with Time magazine if he would apologise.
“Apologize?” was quoted as the answer.
“Of course, of course. I am deeply sorry that something like this happened. And you always look back and say, 'Could we have done things to prevent this?'” he said.
The right-wing leader is Israel's longest-serving prime minister and has long described himself as a staunch defender of Israel's security.
Shortly after the October 7 attack, Netanyahu posted on social media that the intelligence services failed to predict the Hamas operation and warn him.
He deleted and apologized for the post after a number of Israelis accused him of deflecting blame and threatening national unity.
In an interview, Time asked Netanyahu what his message would be to a political rival who has presided over the country's worst security failure.
Netanyahu responded that it depends on whether the leader leads Israel “to victory.”
“Can they ensure that the post-war situation will be one of peace and security?” If the answer is yes, they should stay in power.”
On October 7, Hamas carried out the deadliest attack in Israel's history. A total of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, died, according to AFP figures based on official Israeli figures.
Palestinian militants have taken 251 hostages, of whom 111 are still being held in Gaza, including 39, the Israeli military says are dead.
Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,677 people, according to the Hamas-ruled territory's health ministry, which did not provide details on civilian and militant deaths.
