IDF to Begin Review for Awards for October 7th Battles

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday the commencement of a process to review and award commendations and decorations for actions during the October 7, 2023, battles. A commanders' conference is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to officially launch this review process.

The conference 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 attend. During the event, the framework for evaluating the acts of heroism and sacrifice by IDF personnel during the October 7th battles in the Gaza envelope will be presented.

The objective of this initiative is to provide fitting recognition for the exceptional acts of bravery performed during the fighting, thereby preserving and passing down the legacy of heroism in combat to future generations. The IDF stated that bereaved families have been informed about the process, its goals, and its significance prior to its initiation. They will also be presented with the execution methods and key stages, ensuring transparency throughout.

As part of the process, the IDF will also examine extraordinary civilian acts of heroism. Suitable cases will be forwarded to the advisory committee for the President of Israel, in accordance with the "President's Citation for Civilian Heroism" mechanism. Several cases have already been reviewed and citations awarded under this program during the ongoing war.