As Israel approaches the one-year mark of the October 7 attacks, the nation braces for a sobering revelation. The IDF is set to release a comprehensive investigation into the Nova Festival massacre, an event that has become synonymous with the horrors of that fateful day.
Led by former Chief Engineering Officer Brigadier General (res.) Ido Mizrahi, the investigation promises to be "shocking" and "very disturbing," according to sources familiar with its contents. It will shed light on the critical 12-hour period that transformed a peaceful music festival into a killing field.
The Numbers Tell a Grim Story:
- 364 civilians murdered, including 17 police officers
- 44 festival-goers kidnapped and taken to Gaza
- Thousands left traumatized and searching for answers
The investigation, commissioned by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, is expected to address key questions that have haunted survivors and the nation:
1. Who authorized the festival's extension, especially given its proximity to the Gaza border?
2. Was the military aware of the event during the critical decision-making hours of October 6-7?
3. How long did it take for the IDF to grasp the magnitude of the unfolding massacre and respond?
One of the most chilling revelations: Hamas terrorists reportedly discovered the festival by chance. Riding pickup trucks and motorcycles along Route 232, they stumbled upon the gathering, quickly relaying the information to Nukhba commanders. This chance discovery led to a swift and brutal assault on the unsuspecting revelers.
The investigation doesn't stand alone. The Israel Police have conducted their own in-depth inquiry, presenting findings to the State Comptroller's Office. Their report highlights the crucial role played by police commanders on the ground, whose quick thinking saved countless lives.
As September approaches, tension mounts between various IDF divisions. The Operations Division, Operations Branch of the General Staff, Southern Command, and Gaza Division are reportedly at odds over who bears responsibility for the security failures that allowed the massacre to occur.
This investigation promises not just answers, but a painful step in the nation's journey to heal and prevent such tragedies in the future. As families of the victims and the wider public prepare for the report's release, Israel faces the harsh truths of that October day and the lessons that must be learned from it.
* Walla contributed to this article.