A Battle for Life
The Battle for Nir Am: Deadly Clashes, Heroic Defense
Detailed operational review reveals how Israeli forces defended Kibbutz Nir Am during Hamas assault, highlighting crucial decisions and acts of heroism that prevented a larger catastrophe.
A detailed operational review has been completed on the fierce battle at Kibbutz Nir Am and the surrounding area during the initial Hamas assault, two years ago. The probe highlights the "determined and rapid combat" of local forces, which successfully prevented dozens of terrorists from breaching the kibbutz perimeter and infiltrating further into Israeli territory.
The investigation particularly notes the "heroism of the combatants" and the act of self-sacrifice by Sergeant Matan Abergel H.Y.D., who was killed after jumping onto a grenade thrown into an armored vehicle.
Preventing a Catastrophe
The comprehensive review, submitted two days ago, confirms that the swift action by forces of the regional company, including those stationed at the Nir Am hatchery, along with tactical brigade reinforcements and the kibbutz's rapid response team, was critical.
The report concludes that the operational efforts of the fighters at the company outpost "thwarted an infiltration of terrorists into the outpost itself." However, the brutal attack on this sector resulted in casualties: one soldier fell at the company outpost, and a soldier and a police officer were killed in a battle near the kibbutz. Two civilians were also abducted, one of whom, Samer Talalka Z"L, was later mistakenly killed by friendly fire in Gaza, and another foreign national who was returned in a later operation.
A Critical Order Saves Lives
The investigation revealed that on the eve of the surprise attack, the local forces were deployed as part of a "Dawn Alert" (Kona’nut Im Shachar) based on standard orders and known intelligence assessments at the time.
Crucially, the Battalion Commander’s instruction to the forces not to move toward the adjacent Burma road track, based on late-night intelligence, "in retrospect, saved many soldiers."
Key Stages of Combat: A Timeline
The battle, which involved dozens of Hamas terrorists and was launched at 06:29, evolved through several violent stages:
Critical Conclusions
The findings underscore several key factors that averted a larger disaster: