# Israeli Pilots, WhatsApp and the Reported Hannibal Directive on October 7

- Original post: https://www.twitter.com/i/status/2107763210363232657
- Source account: [@WelcomeTheGulag](https://x.com/WelcomeTheGulag)
- Source language: English
- Duration: 2:17
- Published: 2026-10-08
- Canonical URL: https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7

## Transcript

[0:00](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7) The Israelis later release footage of dozens of strikes.

[0:06](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7?t=6) On Israeli television, pilots admit it was difficult to distinguish gunmen from Israeli civilians.

[0:35](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7?t=35) Without guidance, pilots say they join local WhatsApp groups to identify targets.

[0:42](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7?t=42) The idea that pilots have to get information from WhatsApp groups is truly remarkable. It's a sign of the initiative, that people are looking for any way that they can get the information.

[0:57](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7?t=57) At the same time, this is an outrage. I mean, what kind of a way is that to fight a modern war?

[1:10](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7?t=70) The Israeli newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, says that at midday, the army issues a version of what is known as the Hannibal Directive.

[1:27](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7?t=87) The Hannibal Directive is the result of previous humiliations where Israel handed over hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of one Israeli soldier.

[1:49](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7?t=109) On October 7, it seems the Hannibal Directive may have been revived and applied even to civilian hostages.

[1:59](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7?t=119) The air force operated during those hours under an instruction to prevent movement from Gaza into Israel and return from Israel into Gaza. 70 vehicles were hit. At least in some of the cases, everyone in the vehicle was killed.

[2:14](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/0FZrspmw5Sgf/en/israeli-pilots-whatsapp-and-the-reported-hannibal-directive-on-october-7?t=134) The Israeli military does not deny the report.