Israel Police Begin Presenting October 7 Investigation to Bereaved Families

Police began on Monday (today) presenting bereaved families with the findings of the investigation into how officers and police units responded at the various scenes of the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack. According to the Israel Police, comprehensive investigations into the battles in which officers took part were completed over the past year. The findings have already been presented to senior police commanders and to the officers who fought during the attacks.

As previously reported, 58 Israel Police and Border Police personnel were killed on October 7. An additional officer, Master Sgt. Ran Guaili, was killed while fighting in Kibbutz Alumim, and his body was taken into Gaza. His remains were returned to Israel as part of the hostage deal in January of this year.

The findings were first presented to Police Commissioner Daniel Levy and are now being shared with the bereaved families. The investigations examine, among other things, the police response on the day of the attack and the battles officers fought at the various locations. One group of families is receiving the findings on Monday, with additional families scheduled to receive presentations on Wednesday. The reports will be released to the public only after all of the families have been briefed.

The Israel Police said that after taking office, Commissioner Daniel Levy ordered a comprehensive review of the events of October 7 across all combat zones in which police officers and Border Police personnel were involved.

"Over the past year, investigation teams led by senior officers worked carefully and methodically to gather the facts, verify them, and analyze the findings," the statement said. "It was a thorough and complex process that required responsibility, professionalism, and a commitment to uncovering the truth."

According to the police, all of the investigations were reviewed and approved by senior leadership. In recent days, the findings were also presented to the officers who fought in the battles, allowing them to receive a complete account of the events.

The police said they view presenting the findings to the bereaved families as "an extremely important step," adding that it reflects their commitment to honoring the fallen and ensuring their actions and heroism are fully recognized.

The statement also noted that broader investigations examining the actions of the police's various branches and districts during the October 7 attack are still underway. Once completed, the police said they will continue implementing lessons learned, strengthening operational readiness, and improving coordination with Israel's other security agencies.

Concluding its statement, the Israel Police praised the courage of the officers and Border Police personnel who rushed toward danger to protect civilians.

"In every investigation, the extraordinary heroism of the officers and fighters who risked their lives to save others was evident," the statement said. "The Israel Police salutes their bravery, and the legacy of the fallen will continue to inspire future generations. May their memory be a blessing."