How soldiers' heroism prevented the fall of Zikim Base on October 7 

The operational investigation into the battle at the Zikim Brigade Training Base on October 7, during the Hamas terrorist incursion into Israel that resulted in the massacre of hundreds of Israelis, has been concluded.

The findings were presented to bereaved families, base personnel, and the security forces who fought that day.

The investigation, led by former Southern Command Commander Major General Yaron Finkelman and Home Front Command Commander Major General Rafi Milo, concluded that despite the surprise attack, the base was not captured thanks to the swift response, exceptional decision-making, and determined resistance of the commanders and soldiers from the Tavor Company.

Seven soldiers and commanders were killed in the battle, and nine soldiers along with one civilian were wounded.

The investigation revealed that combat took place in five distinct locations, three outside the base perimeter and two within it, after two terrorists managed to infiltrate the base. Both infiltrators were killed during the fighting, along with at least two others nearby.

Investigators collected and analyzed security camera footage, field reconstructions, observations, interrogation results, and interviews with civilians, combining these with findings from parallel investigations in the Northern Brigade sector, Yiftach Battalion, Kibbutz Zikim, and the Navy.

The investigation lasted about seven months, aiming to build a full and accurate picture of the sequence of events.

The operational review examined the timeline of the battle, the management of the fighting, and the actions of the security forces during the engagement at the Zikim Training Base - one of many simultaneous conflict zones on October 7.

Because of the multiple engagement points surrounding the area, the defense of the Zikim Base was carried out entirely by the forces stationed there. Their determined stand not only prevented the capture of the base but also stopped the terrorists from reaching nearby civilian centers and spreading the attack further into the region.