Fact Check: The IDF killed Israelis on October 7

The Claim: "The IDF killed Israelis on October 7"

On October 7, 2023, a significant and deadly attack was launched by Hamas and other militant groups against Israel, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions. Amidst the chaos of this attack, claims have emerged suggesting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) may have been responsible for the deaths of some Israelis, either through friendly fire or other military actions. This article aims to explore the context of these claims, the available evidence, and the reliability of the sources discussing this sensitive topic.

What We Know

1. The Attack: On October 7, 2023, Hamas initiated a coordinated assault on Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 800 civilians, according to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1. This attack coincided with the Jewish holiday Simchat Torah and involved incursions into Israeli territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict 2.

2. Casualties: Reports indicate that the IDF suffered significant casualties during the attack, with 844 soldiers and 69 police officers reported killed 6. The chaos of the situation led to various investigations into the actions of the IDF during the attack, including allegations of friendly fire 5.

3. Investigations: The Israeli military has opened investigations into the events of October 7, particularly focusing on the possibility of friendly fire incidents that may have resulted in the deaths of Israeli soldiers and civilians 59. A report suggested that at least 14 Israelis were likely killed intentionally by the IDF as part of a protocol aimed at preventing capture 9.

4. Claims of Orders: An article from Truthout claims that IDF officials instructed soldiers to target fellow soldiers amidst the chaos of the attack, raising serious ethical concerns and questions about command protocols during the crisis 8.

5. Military Protocols: The IDF reportedly invoked the defunct "Hannibal Protocol" during the fighting, which is designed to prevent the capture of soldiers at all costs, potentially leading to lethal outcomes for both captives and fellow soldiers 7.

Analysis

The claim that the IDF killed Israelis on October 7 is complex and requires careful examination of the sources and evidence presented.

• Source Reliability: The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1 is an official government source, which may present information with a particular bias, emphasizing the actions of Hamas while downplaying any IDF missteps. Wikipedia 2 provides a broad overview but may lack depth in specific claims regarding friendly fire or internal IDF actions. NPR 3 and BBC 4 are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards, but they may also be influenced by the narratives they choose to highlight.

• Conflicting Reports: The investigation into friendly fire incidents 59 suggests that there may be some truth to the claims that IDF actions led to Israeli casualties. However, the exact circumstances and numbers remain unclear. The report from Truthout 8, while raising serious allegations, should be approached with caution due to its potential bias against the IDF and the lack of corroborating evidence from other mainstream outlets.

• Methodology of Claims: The claims regarding the "Hannibal Protocol" and the orders given to IDF soldiers 78 require further investigation. The context in which these orders were given, and the interpretation of military protocols during a chaotic attack, are crucial for understanding the implications of these actions.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that the IDF killed Israelis on October 7 is partially true, as investigations into the events of that day indicate that there were indeed instances of friendly fire and potentially lethal military protocols that may have contributed to Israeli casualties. Reports suggest that at least 14 Israelis may have been killed intentionally under the "Hannibal Protocol," which aims to prevent the capture of soldiers at all costs. However, the exact circumstances surrounding these deaths remain unclear, and the evidence is not definitive.

It is important to note that while some credible sources support the existence of friendly fire incidents, the overall context of the chaotic attack complicates the narrative. The reliability of sources varies, and some claims, particularly those from less established outlets, should be approached with skepticism.

Readers should be aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the potential biases of the sources involved. As investigations continue, the full scope of the IDF's actions on that day may become clearer, but for now, the situation remains complex and fraught with uncertainty.

As always, it is crucial for readers to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims related to sensitive and evolving situations like this one.

Sources

1. Swords of Iron: Civilian Casualties Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Link
2. October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel - Wikipedia. Link
3. Israeli investigation cites failures ahead of Oct. 7 attack. NPR. Link
4. Questions for IDF over fall of Israel border post Nahal Oz by BBC. Link
5. Israeli military opens probe into reports of Oct. 7 friendly fire. Reuters. Link
6. Authorities name 844 soldiers, 69 police officers killed in Gaza war. The Times of Israel. Link
7. IDF officers invoked defunct 'Hannibal Protocol' during Oct. 7 fighting. The Times of Israel. Link
8. IDF gave orders to kill fellow IDF soldiers on October 7. Truthout. Link
9. Israeli army investigation suggests many 7 October casualties caused by friendly fire. Middle East Eye. Link
10. IDF abandoned Nir Oz on October 7, arrived after Hamas terrorists left. The Jerusalem Post. Link