Israeli Police Complete Investigations Into October 7 Clashes, Plan to Share Findings with Families
The Israeli Police have recently concluded extensive investigations into the battles of October 7, 2023, during which 58 officers and fighters were killed defending the country and preventing militants from advancing into central Israel. Nearly three years after the events, dozens of these investigations will finally be presented to the families of the fallen.
In a meeting held by Police Commissioner Dany Levi with senior police leadership, he updated attendees on the intention to share the findings, which include critical assessments of police performance, with the families. Levi emphasized the importance of learning from the events, stating, "We investigate the events of October 7 for better and worse. What needs to be learned will be learned. We will strengthen what was done well and preserve the good."
The investigations, which began only after Levi assumed office, examined police conduct across approximately 30 locations, notably the Nova party massacre, the battle at the Sderot police station, and clashes in Ofakim. A key focus was on the role of the then-Southern District Commander, Amir Cohen, who reportedly issued the "Parash Falest" order at 6:41 a.m. on October 7, a code signaling a multi-site terrorist attack and militant infiltration. This order led to the closure of the Nova party venue, where hundreds were killed and dozens kidnapped to Gaza. However, last month, senior police officials questioned whether Cohen actually gave the order, despite its recording in the operational log, sparking tensions among senior officers.
Levi addressed these disputes by committing to transparency: "We will tell only the truth and learn from it." He also stressed the police's duty to investigate and inform the public about the heroism of the fallen officers who saved Israel. Recently, the findings were presented to senior officers under confidentiality agreements to prevent leaks. The release of these reports has reignited debates and lingering tensions within the police leadership regarding their conduct on that day.
