Investigation findings: "14 members of an emergency squad fought against 250 terrorists – IAF did not stop a single attacker"

The IDF presented its investigation into the October 7 Hamas attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza to residents this evening (Wednesday). While the kibbutz acknowledged that the military’s findings were extensive and thorough, it stated that the central question—where was the IDF?—remains unanswered.

According to the investigation, the kibbutz was overrun by approximately 250 terrorists, and until 8:30 AM, not a single soldier had entered the community. During that time, 14 members of the local emergency squad fought alone, trying to hold off the attackers. By the time reinforcements arrived, 37 residents had already been murdered. Some parts of the kibbutz only saw military forces enter for the first time on Sunday, two days after the initial assault.

The report further revealed that the troops who eventually arrived did so without command structure or coordination, which resulted in the fighting being concentrated solely in the southern area of the kibbutz. However, the IDF denied earlier claims that forces had hesitated to enter, stating that hundreds of soldiers fought in the southern part of the kibbutz throughout the day.

Additionally, the evacuation of residents was severely mishandled—it was delayed and disorganized. In several cases, soldiers promised besieged families that they would return to evacuate them, only to be diverted into combat and never come back.

Air Force Involvement and IDF Findings

The Air Force did not assist in stopping the attack, according to the findings. Most of the airstrikes occurred only when the terrorists were already retreating back to Gaza, after most of the massacres in the kibbutz had already taken place. The IDF acknowledged this as a critical error, stating that while pilots spotted terrorists within the kibbutz, they refrained from striking due to uncertainty over the presence of civilians in the area.

During the attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza:

The kibbutz emphasized that the state of Israel must prioritize the return of the remaining hostages, particularly Gali and Ziv Berman, stating: "The government must ensure that every security and logistical condition is met for the complete recovery and rebuilding of Kfar Aza."

A Harrowing Account of the Battle

"The IDF report is shocking and difficult to process. It is yet another confirmation of the fact that Kfar Aza was overrun on the tragic morning of October 7," the kibbutz stated. "For hours, our community members cried out for help, fighting almost entirely alone. Despite acts of immense bravery and solidarity, 14 emergency squad members had to battle against hundreds of terrorists without a single soldier entering the kibbutz until late morning."

Commander's Personal Responsibility

Major General Rafi Milo, who led the investigation, admitted: "We were unprepared. We did not believe or assess that Hamas had the capability to launch a full-scale war by surprise."

Milo also acknowledged that over the years, the IDF had weakened its border defenses, attributing this to a reduction in reserve duty recruitment and an over-reliance on regular forces, particularly on Shabbat.

"We have the ability to activate the entire Gaza border region at the push of a button," Milo admitted. "But on that morning, I did not even think to do it. That was a personal failure on my part."

Addressing the bereaved families, Milo expressed deep regret: "I feel a personal sense of failure that I did not take up a weapon myself and go south to fight. I had responsibilities as the Home Front Commander, but this is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life."

Investigation Findings Presented to Families and Survivors

Before being disclosed to the entire kibbutz, the findings were first shared with the families of the victims and later with the surviving members of the emergency squad. According to attendees, IDF officials presented a detailed timeline of events. However, for many, the investigation provided no new revelations beyond what was already known.

The Fall of Kfar Aza and Its Aftermath

The attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza was a coordinated assault, launched from multiple entry points. Within hours, the kibbutz was effectively occupied, and it took until Tuesday to regain full control.

During the morning of October 7, terrorists breached the border fence near the kibbutz from at least two locations. Many of the hostages and victims were residents living close to the breaches.

Some militants infiltrated using motorized drones, while others poured in through the gaps in the fence. Seven out of the 14 members of the emergency squad were killed in the attack.

One of the deadliest assaults occurred in the “Young Generation” neighborhood, located just 50 meters from the border fence. Hundreds of terrorists breached the main gate, turning the area into a major battleground. At least eight out of the 62 victims in Kfar Aza lived in this neighborhood.

The Unanswered Question: Where Was the IDF?

Despite the investigation’s detailed account of events, the kibbutz maintains that it fails to address the core issue: "Where was the military when we needed them most?"

For the residents of Kfar Aza, this remains the most painful and unresolved question.