IDF Investigation into Kibbutz Bari Massacre
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have decided to postpone the release of their investigation into the tragic events at Kibbutz Bari until Thursday. The investigation, led by Lt. Gen. Miki Edelstein, was presented to the Chief of Staff, Major General Herzi Halevi, and includes contributions from the Shin Bet and other defense forces. The findings will be shared first with the residents of Kibbutz Bari, who are currently residing in Dead Sea hotels, and with the bereaved families before being made public.
Controversial Decisions and Leadership Changes
One of the focal points of the investigation is the controversial decision made by Brigadier General Barak Hiram, who ordered a tank to fire at a building where terrorists had barricaded themselves with Israeli hostages. This decision resulted in the deaths of the hostages, a move that has been widely debated. Despite this, Hiram is set to be promoted to the commander of the Gaza Division, pending the Chief of Staff's final decision. The IDF has emphasized that all findings will be published transparently on their website.
Rebuilding Trust and Transparency
The investigation aims to rebuild trust within the community of Kibbutz Bari, the largest in the Otef region. The IDF has called for the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or rumors about the investigation. The scope of the investigation is extensive, covering multiple incidents and battles that occurred on October 7. The IDF plans to present the findings to the communities of the southern settlements, the families of the abductees, and the bereaved families before making them accessible to every citizen via their website.
- The investigation into the massacre at Kibbutz Bari is not a state-level inquiry but a military one, focusing on operational details, conclusions, and lessons learned. The Chief of Staff has kept his decision regarding Brigadier General Barak Hiram's future confidential, adding another layer of anticipation to the upcoming publication of the findings.
- The IDF has appointed several other officers to investigate various events and battles that occurred on October 7 in different settlements and sectors. These include Col. Tal Kuritsky for Zikim Beach, Col. Yaron Sitbon for Nahal Oz, and Col. Tal Alkoubi for Kissufim, among others. The comprehensive nature of these investigations underscores the IDF's commitment to transparency and accountability.
