IDF Chief of Staff Visits Zikim Base Three Years After October 7 Massacre

Three years after the October 7th massacre, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited the Zikim base, one of the main sites of intense fighting during the surprise attack. Zamir stated that the commanders and soldiers at the base "stood on the front line against the enemy's attack." A memorial ceremony held at the base also presented the findings of an inquiry into the events.

The inquiry determined that the Zikim training base (BAH Zikim) was not captured by Hamas terrorists. Instead, forces there successfully blocked the terrorists' infiltration, thwarting their plan to seize the camp and carry out a killing and kidnapping spree. Zamir, addressing attendees including members of the General Staff Forum and families of fallen soldiers, remembered the commanders and soldiers who fought with determination to protect recruits under their command, as well as all those killed and taken hostage.

According to the inquiry's findings, the rapid identification of the event, the forces' composure, and their early preparations enabled the defense of the base. The company commander's decision to reinforce defensive positions, along with his deputy taking command and managing the battle after the commander's death, allowed the forces to halt the infiltration and disrupt the enemy's objectives. The fighting occurred at five locations within and around the base, resulting in the elimination of at least eleven terrorists. Seven soldiers and commanders were killed in the defense of BAH Zikim, and nine additional soldiers and one civilian were wounded.

The inquiry highlighted the battle as a story of command, bravery, and camaraderie, with commanders and fighters holding the front against the surprise attack, sticking to their mission, and leading the fight until the enemy was stopped. The fighting in the Zikim area continued for five days after October 7th, with the Extraction Brigade's fighters engaging and eliminating terrorists attempting to attack the camp in close-quarters combat.