IDF's Investigation into the Bari Incident
In a statement to the media, IDF spokesman Brigadier General Daniel Hagari addressed the IDF's investigation into the fighting in Bari on October 7. He admitted that the IDF was not prepared for the terrorist attack by Hamas, which led to a tragic killing spree. "We have the responsibility and duty to investigate and learn where we failed," Hagari emphasized. The investigation revealed significant lapses in command and control, which resulted in the security forces being unable to engage immediately in combat.
The Findings and Consequences
The investigation, led by Major General (ret.) Miki Edelstein, highlighted the IDF's failure to protect Kibbutz Bari and its residents. Despite the bravery and resourcefulness of the residents, who defended themselves for hours, the lack of coordination among IDF forces led to severe consequences. The report also detailed the hostage situation in Psi Cohen's house, where a tank shell was fired in an attempt to pressure the terrorists. The investigation concluded that while no civilians inside the building were harmed by the tank fire, some hostages outside were hit by shrapnel.
Moving Forward and Building Trust
The investigation is part of a broader effort to rebuild trust between the IDF and the public. Brigadier General Barak Hiram, who played a crucial role in the events, is praised for his leadership and is set to command the Gaza Division. The IDF is committed to making protecting civilians a top priority and ensuring better preparedness in the future. The findings from this investigation will be used to avoid similar mistakes and improve the IDF's response in future conflicts.
