IDF to Begin Review Process for Medals Commemorating October 7th Battles

Three years after the October 7th massacre, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that it will commence a process to review and award commendations and decorations for the battles that took place on that day. A commanders' conference is scheduled for next Wednesday to launch this process, which will be led by the Head of the Manpower Directorate, Major General Dadi Bar-Klipa, and the President of the Military Court of Appeals, Major General Orly Markman. Commanders from all brigades and fronts within the IDF will participate.

During the conference, the framework for evaluating the acts of heroism and sacrifice by IDF personnel during the October 7, 2023 battles in the Gaza border region will be presented. The initiative aims to provide fitting recognition for exceptional acts of bravery performed during the fighting, thereby preserving and passing down the legacy of heroism in combat to future generations. All bereaved families have been updated on the existence, objectives, and significance of this process.

Following the launch, the IDF will transparently outline the execution and key stages of the commendation process. For cases involving exceptional acts of bravery by civilians, these will be forwarded for review by the advisory committee to the President of Israel, in line with the existing mechanism for awarding the "President's Medal for Civilian Heroism." This committee has previously reviewed and awarded medals during the war. Additional suitable cases will also be examined by the committee at the President's residence.