Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events, CNN’s Abby Phillip took aim at the Israeli government on Thursday, insinuating that they may have played a part in the Hamas terror attack on southern Israel. According to Phillip, citing a report from The New York Times, Israeli intelligence allegedly had prior knowledge of the attack plans but failed to take adequate measures to prevent it.
Phillip’s opening segment on her show, Newsnight, left no room for doubt as she delved into the contentious issue. She brought attention to The New York Times report, which claimed that Israel possessed intelligence on the Hamas attack plan over a year before the October 7th attack but chose not to act on it. The consequences, Phillip argued, were deadly, leading to the deadliest day in Israel’s history with thousands of Palestinians caught in the crossfire of the bombs.
This is the new CNN? Or is it the old BBC? CNN’s Phillip: ‘What Did Israel Know and When Did They Know It?’ https://t.co/LluysO6qmt
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) December 2, 2023
The report detailed a Hamas blueprint known as the Jericho Wall, outlining a comprehensive plan including rocket barrages, drone attacks, and mass infiltration into Israel. Shockingly, the document was allegedly dismissed by Israeli military and intelligence leaders as beyond Hamas’ capabilities, on multiple occasions. This revelation added a layer of complexity to the impending decision facing Israel – continue with a faltering truce or escalate the conflict further.
While engaging with CNN National Security Analyst Beth Sanner, Phillip pressed for answers, emphasizing the gravity of the intelligence failure and the potential avoidability of the attacks. Sanner underscored the importance of mindset and decision-making within intelligence agencies, highlighting the significance of reports from junior soldiers regarding Hamas activities in the lead-up to the attack.
Phillip and Sanner discussed the rarity and potential implications of encountering detailed intelligence and its handling by intelligence agencies. Sanner drew parallels with the handling of intelligence regarding the Russian invasion, suggesting that comprehensive analysis and protective action should have been taken. The segment concluded with Phillip expressing the essential question facing Israeli leaders once the conflict subsides.
This eyebrow-raising segment on CNN undoubtedly stirred controversy, with Phillip shining a spotlight on the Israeli government’s alleged intelligence failure, leaving viewers pondering the potential implications and repercussions.
