not everywhere· Security· Updated 20:35

IDF Considers Awards for Heroes of October 7th Battles

The IDF has officially launched a formal review process to award medals, commendations, and decorations for acts of bravery performed during the battles of October 7, 2023, and up to the start of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

7 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 16:27

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IDF Considers Awards for Heroes of October 7th Battles — Illustration by baba

What happened

01The IDF launched a formal process on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to award medals for bravery from October 7, 2023, until the Gaza ground operation.
02Major General Dadi Bar Kalifa and Major General Orly Markman led a conference with brigade and sector commanders to present the framework.
03The multi-stage review process requires recommendations from brigade commanders to be approved by division commanders and regional committees.
04A general staff committee will review recommendations for Chief of Staff commendations and decorations, with the Chief of Staff making final decisions.
05Nominations for the highest military decoration, the Medal of Valor, must be sent to the Defense Minister for final approval.
06Exceptional acts of civilian heroism will be forwarded to an advisory committee for presidential recognition.
07The IDF emphasized that honoring these acts of bravery is a fundamental duty to its soldiers, the fallen, and their families.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, a conference was held to launch the initiative. The meeting was led by the Head of the Manpower Directorate, Major General Dadi Bar Kalifa, and the President of the Military Court of Appeals, Major General Orly Markman, with the participation of all IDF brigade and sector commanders.

The multi-stage review process, approved by the Chief of Staff, begins with brigade commanders submitting recommendations to division commanders. Approved recommendations will then be forwarded to the relevant major generals, a regional committee headed by a major general in the Southern Command, and a general staff committee. The Chief of Staff will make the final decisions on military awards, while recommendations for the Medal of Valor will also require approval from the Defense Minister.

Additionally, exceptional acts of civilian heroism during the October 7 events will be considered for presidential recognition. The IDF stated that honoring these acts of bravery is a core duty to its service members, the fallen, and their families.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 5 newsrooms. Updated 19:37

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