Official rulings from the Israeli Supreme Court

IDF's Use of Hannibal Directive During October 7 Hamas Attack Revealed, Leading to Civilian Deaths

Jul 7, 2024, 03:55 PM

An investigation by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz has revealed that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) invoked the controversial Hannibal Directive during the October 7 Hamas attack. The directive, which aims to prevent the capture of soldiers by enemy forces, was employed at three army facilities infiltrated by Hamas. This involved using lethal force to prevent soldiers from being taken captive, even at the risk of civilian lives. The Hannibal Directive led to the deaths of both Israeli soldiers and civilians, with orders to attack any vehicle returning to Gaza and to indiscriminately bomb the area with mortar shells and artillery. The directive's implementation included attacks on the Re’im outpost near the Nova festival, and the use of Apache helicopters and tanks, turning areas around Gaza into free-fire zones. The directive's implementation has sparked significant controversy and criticism, with many questioning the ethics and consequences of such a policy.