IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi decided to initiate an investigation into the circumstances and events that led to the war, including the failures that made the Hamas attack on Israel possible on October 7. On Thursday, January 4, it became known that a special commission will also study preparations for a ground operation and military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The commission will be headed by former Defense Minister and former IDF Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz. It will also include retired IDF Major Generals Yoav Har-Even, Shalom (Sami) Turgeman and Aharon Zeevi-Farkash.
Yoav Har-Even was the former head of AMAN military intelligence during the military operations “Pillar of Cloud” and “Unbreakable Rock”. Aharon Ze’evi-Farkash also headed military intelligence, commanding the IDF’s Technology and Logistics Directorate and Military Intelligence Unit 8200.
Shalom (Sami) Turgeman served as Commander of the Southern Military District, Commander of the IDF Ground Forces and Commander of Operations (“hativat-ha-mivtsayim”).
The investigation will run parallel to an internal review conducted at the IDF General Staff under the leadership of Major General Moti Baruch.
An interim report is expected to be presented in the coming months. The launch of an investigation could lead ministers to initiate the creation of a state commission of inquiry, which will hasten the resignations of senior officials.