Fact Check: "The IDF killed Israelis on October 7"
What We Know
On October 7, 2023, a coordinated attack by Hamas resulted in significant casualties among Israeli civilians and military personnel. Reports indicate that approximately 1,195 Israelis were killed, including both civilians and soldiers, during this unprecedented assault, which marked the beginning of the Gaza War (October 7 attacks - Wikipedia). The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) faced intense scrutiny regarding their preparedness and response to the attack, particularly at military bases such as Nahal Oz, where over 60 soldiers were reported killed by Hamas fighters (Questions for IDF over fall of Israel border post Nahal Oz).
However, the claim that the IDF itself killed Israelis on this day lacks credible evidence. The primary narrative surrounding the events of October 7 focuses on the actions of Hamas and the subsequent chaos that ensued, rather than any deliberate actions by the IDF against its own personnel or civilians.
Analysis
The assertion that the IDF killed Israelis on October 7 appears to stem from various interpretations and reports, some of which may be speculative or based on unverified sources. For instance, a report from a controversial outlet suggested that there were orders given to IDF troops to shoot at fellow Israelis during the chaos of the attack (Army was ordered to kill Israelis on 7 October). However, such claims require careful scrutiny, as they come from sources that may have an agenda or lack corroborating evidence.
The BBC's investigation into the events at Nahal Oz highlights the confusion and lack of preparedness among IDF forces, noting that many soldiers were unarmed and that there were lapses in protocol that contributed to the high casualty rate (Questions for IDF over fall of Israel border post Nahal Oz). This context is critical; while it indicates a failure in military response, it does not substantiate claims that the IDF intentionally targeted its own people.
Moreover, the Israeli government and military have not confirmed any incidents of IDF forces intentionally killing Israelis during the attack. The focus remains on the overwhelming assault by Hamas and the subsequent military actions taken by the IDF in response to the attack.
Conclusion
The claim that "the IDF killed Israelis on October 7" is False. The evidence primarily points to the actions of Hamas as the cause of Israeli casualties on that day. While there were significant failures in military preparedness and response, there is no credible evidence to support the assertion that the IDF intentionally killed Israelis. The narrative surrounding the events of October 7 should be understood within the context of a chaotic and violent attack rather than as an indictment of the IDF's actions against its own personnel.
