IDF Unit Nili Pursues Every Terrorist Involved in October 7 Attacks Relentlessly

Following the October 7, 2023 attacks, the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) and the IDF established a joint unit named Nili, dedicated to tracking and eliminating all terrorists involved in the massacre and hostage-taking. Named after a Jewish espionage network from World War I, Nili operates with a mission to reach every perpetrator, from frontline attackers to those who supported or held hostages. The unit has already neutralized key Hamas leaders such as Mohammed Deif, Yahya and Mohammed Sinwar, Salah al-Arouri, and recently, senior figure Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.

Lieutenant L, an officer in the unit's military wing, explained that their targets range from the tractor driver who breached the border fence to the commanders who led raids. The unit maintains an extensive Excel database with thousands of names, systematically removing entries as terrorists are eliminated. Captain A, head of the target division, described the painstaking intelligence work, including detailed surveillance down to suspects’ daily routines and meal habits, often taking months or more to prepare for a strike.

The unit employs advanced technology such as AI-based facial recognition and human intelligence assets on the ground to gather actionable information. Since the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in October, the pace of targeted killings has increased, aided by intelligence from returned hostages and captured terrorists. However, international law imposes constraints; not all terrorists who entered Israel on October 7 are legally targetable if they are no longer active combatants.

Despite these challenges, the unit’s members emphasize that their motivation is not revenge but professional duty and strategic deterrence. They believe their work provides closure for victims’ families and sends a clear message to future attackers. To date, approximately 2,800 terrorists from Nili’s lists have been killed, with thousands more still targeted. The unit is committed to completing its mission, ensuring that any future Hamas attack will face a fully accounted-for response.

Author and security analyst Adi Rotem compared the mission to Israel’s historic pursuit of Nazi war criminals, underscoring the enduring ethos behind Nili’s operations. The unit’s work is described as a long-term commitment that may extend beyond the current generation, reflecting a deep national resolve to hold all perpetrators accountable.