The intelligence gathering investigation on the Gaza border from October 7 has been revealed for the first time. This morning (Monday), IDF Radio’s military reporter Doron Kadosh shared details from the dramatic investigation on the fateful morning that led to the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War on Good Morning Israel.
Unusual Observations at the Border Fence Hours Before the Attack, and Vulnerabilities
The first part of the IDF investigation, overseen by Col. (Res.) Barak Cohen, former head of the Border Protection School, is published this morning for the first time. The investigation noted that, in the period leading up to October 7, Gaza Division observers warned of unusual sightings at the border. It was also revealed that the reports reached the division level as well as the division’s intelligence officer and regional commanders. However, the reports were not interpreted by the division as Hamas preparations for an attack.
Furthermore, only a few hours before the attack, an intelligence warning was received by the division, causing an instruction to the intelligence posts to scan suspicious buildings in Gaza. Meanwhile, Golani fighters were instructed not to approach the fence.
Additional defense array gaps that emerged from the investigation are the weaknesses in the Gaza Division before the war. Among other things, the locations of the intelligence posts were deemed dangerous, as Hamas managed to gather significant intelligence on the Nachal Oz post due to its proximity to the fence. Additionally, only three out of five surveillance balloons in the sector operated correctly.
IDF Spokesperson: Information Will Be Published to the Public at the End of the Investigation Process
Following the publication of the investigation, the IDF spokesperson stated that “the intelligence gathering investigation is one part of the October 7 investigation into the development of the perception opposite the Gaza Strip.” It was also clarified that the IDF is in the midst of the investigation process, which will be presented to the public upon conclusion.
