IDF Report Details Heroic, Yet Flawed, Battle at Poga Base on October 7

A comprehensive IDF investigation into the battle at Poga base on October 7th has revealed significant failures in defense preparedness alongside acts of extreme bravery by soldiers. The report, spanning ten months of research including radio logs, security footage, and on-site reconstructions, concludes that the military failed in its protective mission, leaving the base inadequately prepared for the scale of the Hamas attack. Hundreds of terrorists infiltrated the area, with nine breaching the base early in the fighting. Soldiers faced severe shortages of ammunition and equipment, while positions were not ready for the scenario.

Despite the systemic failures, the report highlights the valor of soldiers and commanders who fought for hours against overwhelming odds. During the initial assault, tanks were deployed to the border fence, and soldiers took cover in protected areas, with the dining hall designated as a casualty collection point. Terrorists breached the fence and attacked the base, with some infiltrating the Poga base itself through a rear gate. The battle raged for hours, with tanks and armored personnel carriers engaging terrorists, though some vehicles were damaged or destroyed, and crew members were injured or captured.

An attempted evacuation of wounded soldiers from the dining hall using an armored personnel carrier failed when the vehicle was hit by an explosive device. The wounded were returned to the dining hall, where soldiers continued to fight. Later, terrorists set fire to the dining hall from both sides, filling it with smoke and forcing the trapped soldiers to struggle for air. Five soldiers eventually emerged from the burning structure to engage dozens of terrorists, falling in combat at close range.

In total, 18 soldiers and commanders were killed in the battle for Poga base, 22 were wounded, and two were taken captive to Gaza. The investigation emphasized that Poga was one of many combat zones where the IDF simultaneously faced thousands of infiltrators. Rescue forces only arrived in the afternoon, finding no terrorists remaining in the base. However, as a recovery force returned later that evening to collect the fallen, a missile was fired at the convoy, killing one more soldier and wounding another.

The report's central conclusion is that the IDF failed to prevent the fall of its territory and the infiltration of terrorists into nearby communities like Be'eri, and the capture of Poga base. The operational routine prior to October 7th had focused on disturbances along the fence, impacting training and preparedness for a simultaneous, large-scale surprise attack. This led to inadequate preparations for an enemy raid on the base and the Be'eri kibbutz. The report also noted that air attacks were often ineffective due to poor coordination with ground forces, and the loss of commanders during the battle hampered decision-making. Despite the presence of numerous combat elements, the enemy succeeded in breaching Be'eri and capturing Poga base. The IDF expected its forces to achieve a different outcome, at least to neutralize the terrorists attacking the bases, even if preventing the wider infiltration was beyond their immediate capability. The investigation team stressed the bravery and camaraderie displayed by the soldiers and commanders fighting under these dire circumstances, noting that "best of our sons" accompanied them throughout their work with bereaved families.