Investigations into Israel's perception of the threat from Gaza and the performance of the intelligence community indicate that the October 7 massacre was preceded by a series of failures at the political and military levels. 'Israeli perceptions were deeply rooted – and no effort was made to challenge them'

ISRAEL: Shin Bet, police to investigate connection between PMO and Qatar, AG's Office says ■ GAZA CEASE-FIRE: Four bodies of Israeli hostages returned by Hamas as Palestinian prisoners are released ■ LEBANON: IDF says it struck Hezbollah arms operative near Lebanon-Syria border, accusing him of 'violating cease-fire'

Investigation into October 7 massacre found that commanders did not know what was happening or where battles were taking place - and troops were dispatched to the cities. Moreover, the Gaza Division couldn't provide intel for hours, but its commander refused to report it was defeated

The inertia of Stage 1 and the resultant dramatic change in the Israeli public's mood will soon clash with the prime minister's plan to obfuscate and prevaricate ■ The government's sadistic abuse of kibbutzniks knows no bounds ■ And who could ask the High Court of Justice for succor?