State Comptroller Blames Failures for Deadly Delays in October 7 Wounded Evacuations

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman released a scathing report on the evacuation of wounded victims during the October 7 terror attacks, described as the most severe terror event since Israel's founding. The report reveals critical systemic and operational failures that caused deadly delays in evacuating injured civilians, many of whom bled to death on the battlefield. Englman rejects the narrative of unavoidable chaos, attributing the root cause to the IDF's operational failure to protect communities.

A key finding highlights the failure to utilize existing technology that could have saved lives. Magen David Adom deployed a computerized system in the Gaza Division to track calls in real time, but IDF medical units ignored this tool. As a result, vital information about wounded civilians' locations did not reach forces on the ground. The Southern Command commander admitted that access to this data would have helped build a strategic picture and save lives.

The report also points to a nearly eight-hour delay in coordinating casualty transfer points from the start of the attack. Ground forces operated without accurate information on wounded locations or the scale of the event. While praising the bravery of soldiers, MDA personnel, and civilians under fire, the comptroller sharply criticizes the IDF's failure to defend settlements as the cause of the deadly situation.

In addition, the report exposes the painful reality faced by many wounded survivors who struggle with bureaucracy and lack clear guidance on their rights. The absence of formal instructions for providing information leaves them dependent on fragmented, informal sources. Englman calls on political and government leaders to move beyond empty decisions and implement an operational action plan.

The Ministry of Health acknowledged the criticism, stating most gaps have been addressed and that cooperation with the IDF has significantly improved since October 7 to ensure rapid, life-saving coordination. The Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Division described the challenge as a top national priority and is implementing a comprehensive plan to care for an expected 100,000 wounded by 2028.

This report emerges amid tensions between the State Comptroller's Office and the Supreme Court, which recently halted eight audit processes related to the October 7 events and the war. Englman noted that over 40 reports have been published in the past year exposing fundamental preparedness failures across political, military, and civilian systems, holding responsible parties accountable at all levels. He emphasized that more reports, including on wounded evacuation, will be released soon, underscoring the tragic loss of many wounded who bled to death without evacuation.