Father of Fallen Israeli Soldier Criticizes Former 8200 Commander Over Startup Role

Eyal Eshel, father of the late reconnaissance soldier Roni Eshel who was killed at the Nahal Oz outpost during the October 7 Hamas attack, sharply criticized Brigadier General (res.) Yossi Sariel, the former commander of the IDF's Unit 8200 during the attack. Eshel condemned Sariel's recent appointment to the board of the American startup company Decart, questioning the lack of public accountability and boycott against him. Eshel accused Sariel of bearing responsibility for the intelligence failures on October 7 and described his investigation as disgraceful, stating that in a just world Sariel would be imprisoned and demoted to private rank.

Eshel expressed deep frustration at what he sees as the disconnect between the severity of the failure and Sariel's continued career success, including enjoying a pension and financial gains from the startup's lucrative exit. He called for serious legal proceedings against those responsible for the failures, hoping for a judicial process supported by top lawyers alongside bereaved families. Eshel lamented the situation in Israel where he feels those accountable prosper while the bereaved suffer.

Hours after his initial post, Eshel added that he had been flooded with messages and information from many people still deeply affected nearly three years after the attack. He emphasized the ongoing struggle against lies and corruption and directly addressed Decart employees, implying their awareness of the controversy surrounding Sariel's role in the company.

This public outcry highlights the continuing pain and demand for accountability from families of victims of the October 7 attack, as well as the broader debate over military and intelligence leadership responsibility in Israel.