The Hannibal Directive is a controversial IDF procedure intended to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers, even at the risk of harming them. Introduced in 1986 after abductions in Lebanon, it was never fully published and long censored from public discussion. The policy was described as stopping kidnappings “by all means,” a phrase often interpreted as preferring a soldier’s death over capture. The directive was revised multiple times and formally revoked and reformulated in 2016.

Claimed use of the Hannibal Directive on 7 October 2023

Some journalists, officials, former soldiers, hostages, and international bodies have alleged that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) applied the Hannibal Directive on a large scale during the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023. Traditionally understood as a protocol to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers—even at risk to their lives—the claims suggest it was used that day in ways that also endangered or killed Israeli civilians, which would be unprecedented.

Commentators describe a “mass Hannibal” situation, with IDF forces firing on vehicles and locations near the Gaza border to prevent hostages from being taken into Gaza, despite uncertainty over whether Israelis were inside.

Early reports and testimonies:

Released hostages, kibbutz survivors, and some Israeli media outlets reported Israeli helicopter, tank, and artillery fire hitting vehicles or buildings known or suspected to contain hostages.

Media investigations:

Haaretz (July 2024) reported that Hannibal orders were issued as early as 7:18 a.m. at the Erez crossing and later expanded, turning parts of the border area into a “killing zone.”

Yedioth Ahronoth reported orders to stop abductions “at all costs,” with dozens of vehicles hit on roads leading to Gaza.

ABC News (Australia) documented similar accounts from soldiers and civilians.

Specific incidents:

Reports cite cases at Kibbutz Be’eri (including the Pessi Cohen house, where 13 hostages were killed), vehicles heading toward Gaza, and other border-area engagements where Israeli civilians were reportedly killed by Israeli fire.

International findings:

A June 2024 UN Commission report concluded that Israeli forces used the Hannibal Directive in several instances that day and that it likely contributed to the deaths of at least 14 Israeli civilians.

IDF responses:

The IDF acknowledged instances of friendly fire on 7 October but has generally denied knowingly targeting hostages, emphasizing the chaos and lack of situational awareness. Operational reviews cleared the military of wrongdoing in some cases, though survivors and families dispute these findings.

But, in February 2025, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the Hannibal Directive had been used during the Gaza war.