Major revelation: The one IDF unit exempt from investigation after the October 7 massacre

However, one unit that has been notably absent from these investigations is the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the unit responsible for shaping Israel’s policies toward Gaza.

COGAT, led by Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, has been at the forefront of key decisions regarding Gaza for years. Unlike many other IDF units, which primarily focus on military operations, COGAT's role involves influencing civilian and economic policies, particularly in Gaza. Senior defense officials note that Alian is one of the few generals in the IDF who not only implements policy but is also instrumental in shaping it.

Over the years leading up to the October 7 massacre, COGAT was involved in various initiatives aimed at improving conditions in Gaza, including increasing the number of Gazan workers allowed to enter Israel and establishing industrial zones at the Erez Crossing. COGAT was also responsible for facilitating projects like the "Gas for Gaza" initiative and granting approval for the development of the marine gas field off the coast of Gaza.

However, one of the most controversial decisions taken by COGAT occurred in June 2023, just a few months before the massacre. Despite concerns over its potential misuse, COGAT approved the entry of motorcycle tires into Gaza—a decision that directly impacted the violence on October 7. During the massacre, motorcycles were used extensively by Hamas terrorists to carry out their attacks.

Despite COGAT's pivotal role in Gaza policy and its involvement in several decisions that ultimately impacted the massacre, the unit has not been formally investigated. While COGAT officials assert that the unit participated in debriefings, no direct investigation into its role or actions has been conducted, nor was it mentioned in the broader IDF investigations. A spokesperson for COGAT emphasized that the unit acted in line with the policies set by the Israeli government, both before and after October 7.

This omission has raised questions about the accountability of those who helped shape Israel’s Gaza policies and their potential role in the tragic events of October 7.