Police to Release October 7th Investigations to Public After Three Years

Nearly three years after the October 7th attacks, the Israel Police is preparing to release its internal investigations into the battles that took place that day to the public. These comprehensive reports, which have already been presented to senior command, participating officers, and bereaved families, aim to provide the police's account of the events within Israel, detailing who was present, who fought, who was absent, how decisions were made, and how the police intend to improve.

The investigations have been a lengthy and thorough process, focusing not just on reconstructing the fighting but on deeply understanding the events, decision-making, and identifying areas for improvement. The reports examine numerous combat zones, including Sderot, Ofakim, Kibbutz Be'eri, and the site of the Nova music festival, where 58 police officers and Border Police officers fell on October 7th.

Sources involved in the investigations and officers who testified have criticized the military's response, claiming that IDF forces were absent from many critical areas for extended periods. According to police officials, the military was unprepared for a large-scale incursion and the simultaneous engagement of multiple battlefronts within Israel, with some areas reportedly unknown to the IDF in real-time. Officers who fought on the front lines also testified that the terrorists appeared highly trained and prepared, suggesting years of planning that seemingly went unnoticed by the security establishment.

The police emphasize that despite the broader national failures, they were the security force present and fighting from the initial moments. Officers were the first responders, engaging terrorists and fighting for hours under extreme conditions, acting as the "first line of defense" and risking their lives. While acknowledging that some bereaved families have raised questions about the findings and their analysis, the police intend to present a complete picture, encompassing both successes and failures, to drive change and learning.

The investigations are designed to focus on operational performance and systemic lessons rather than individual accountability. The police plan to complete broader investigations across all departments and districts, implement the findings, enhance operational readiness, and improve interfaces with other security agencies.