IDF Publishes Probe Into October 7 Attack on Kerem Shalom, Citing Military Failures, Local Heroism
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday morning released the findings of its internal investigation into the October 7 assault on Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, revealing critical lapses in preparedness and response, while commending the bravery of local security personnel who prevented a larger catastrophe.
The probe, led by Col. Eylon Peretz of the Yoav Regional Brigade, is one of dozens examining the military’s failures during the surprise Hamas invasion that killed some 1,200 people and saw more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza. Drawing on footage, communications, and firsthand testimony, the year-long investigation concluded that the IDF failed in its mission to protect Kerem Shalom and was unprepared for a multifront infiltration of this scale.
On the morning of October 7, around 100 Hamas fighters stormed the southernmost Israeli community along the Gaza border. The initial attack began with a rocket barrage just after 6:30 a.m., followed by ground infiltrations from multiple directions. The local emergency squad, supported by a small unit from the IDF’s Nahal Reconnaissance Unit already stationed nearby, mobilized quickly. They encountered terrorists along the kibbutz’s perimeter and inside residential areas, engaging in gun battles that stretched through midday.
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Despite the proximity of military assets, reinforcements were slow to arrive. A concurrent attack on the nearby Camp Amitai base delayed the Kerem Shalom Company from deploying, while air support from the Israeli Air Force came only hours into the assault. Six Israeli security personnel were killed, and 10 others—nine soldiers and one civilian—were wounded. No residents were abducted or killed.
The report praised the courage and effectiveness of the kibbutz’s civil defense team and medical responders, who acted under fire to rescue wounded residents. “The actions of the alert squad disrupted the enemy’s plan to kill and abduct residents,” the IDF stated.
In response, Kerem Shalom’s community leaders welcomed the army’s accountability but demanded the formation of a full state commission of inquiry. “This investigation is not the final word,” the kibbutz wrote, urging systemic reforms and attention to prior warnings from residents.
The community has begun returning, determined to rebuild—but insists that healing is impossible without the return of hostages still held in Gaza and the complete dismantling of Hamas’ military infrastructure.
