IDF Probe Finds Gaza Border Outpost Unprepared for Oct. 7 Attack

An Israeli military investigation released Thursday revealed that forces stationed at the Foga and Sahaf outposts were unprepared for the scale of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The report found that personnel lacked training for a mass raid and suffered shortages of heavy machine guns and general-purpose machine guns. During the battle at Foga, 18 soldiers and commanders were killed, 22 were wounded, and two were taken captive to Gaza. The investigation determined that between 60 and 80 terrorists attacked the outpost in three to four waves, penetrating through 11 different routes identified in the divisional sector. Despite Foga being built with fortified combat positions, the forces could not prevent its capture or the subsequent movement of terrorists toward Kibbutz Be'eri. The report noted that the forces' readiness prior to the attack had primarily focused on dealing with disturbances near the border fence.

The report detailed the events, including the neutralization of two tanks by anti-tank missiles early in the assault, resulting in the death and abduction of Sergeant Shai Levinson. A unit tracker was abducted from the Sahaf outpost after his force entered an armored personnel carrier. At Foga, a prolonged battle ensued for many hours. After the command echelon was hit, a platoon commander took charge and consolidated forces in a fortified mess hall. Terrorists surrounded the building and set mattresses on fire to create smoke, attempting to suffocate those inside. Five soldiers who attempted to break out to engage the terrorists were killed. The investigation also highlighted significant gaps in the arrival of reinforcements and support. The Air Force attempted three support missions, but only one was effective due to communication and coordination failures between ground forces and air support. The first reinforcements did not arrive at the outpost until late afternoon, after the terrorists had already withdrawn.

In conclusion, the probe stated that despite being outnumbered and surprised, the operational expectation was that the forces would repel the terrorists within the outpost. It also acknowledged that many commanders and soldiers fought for hours under difficult conditions.