Swords of Iron: Here is what happened on days 1 and 2

The following is a list of the Israelis who were murdered in the Hamas attack against Israel on October 7:

Major Ofer Yosef Ran, of the Duvdevan unit, killed on October 7th by Hamas (credit: COURTESY OF FAMILY)

-Major Ofer Yosef Ran

Major Ofer Yosef Ran, from Itamar, of the Duvdevan unit, was born and raised in the hills of Itamar, recipient of numerous commendations and "the grandson of the pioneering settlers of Samaria, Shrona and Avri Ran," according to a statement.

Some 15 Israelis were murdered in the village of Netiv HaAsara: Amit and Yigal and Waks, Oren Stern, Shlomi and Ayelet Molcho, Chweik Segal, Gil Ta'asa, Adi Baharav, Tal Keren, Ruti, Aryeh and Or Akuni, Nurit Bregel, Marina Almabegor, and Dani Webek.

Col. Jonathan Steinberg, commanding officer of the Nahal Infantry Brigade (credit: IDF)

-Col. Jonathan Steinberg

Murdered by Hamas terrorists near the Keren Shalom crossing on the Gaza border.  He was the commanding officer of the Nahal Infantry Brigade.

Aharon Chaimov, MDA medic who was killed during Hamas attack (credit: MDA)

-Aharon Chaimov

Murdered in a Magen David Adom ambulance on his way to treat the wounded in his hometown of Ofakim.

- Capt. Adir Abudi

Abudi was 23 years old, from Modi'in, a military policeman in the Home Front.

- Captain Yotam Ben Bassat

Best was 24 years old, from Bat Hefer, and a commander in the Multidimensional Unit.

- Sergeant Ofir Zioni

21 years old, Mikneam Illit, squad commander in the 51st Battalion, Golani.

-Sergeant Adar Ben Simon

20 years old, Maneva Ziv, military officer in the Home Front.

- Sergeant Or Asto

21 years old, from Be'er Sheva, logistics NCO in the 51st battalion.

- Lt. Col. Sahar Mahlouf

36 years old, from Modi'in, 481 Communications Headquarters.

- Sergeant Afik Rosenthal

20 years old, from Kfar Menachem, a fighter in the Commando Brigade.

- Sergeant Major Yanai Kaminka

20 years old, from the Hadassah siege, a member of the Home Front Army.

- Lieutenant Or Mozes

22 years old, from Ashdod, Sgt.

- Sergeant Omri Niv Feirstein

20 years old, from Givatayim, search and rescue soldier in the Home Front.

- Corporal Dvir Lisha, 21 years old

From Manitzan, a soldier in the Golani 51st Battalion.

- Sergeant Eden Alon Levy

19 years old, from Nirit, solder in the Home Front.

- Sergeant Yuval Ben Yaakov

21 years old, lives in Kfar Menachem, a soldier in the 77th Battalion.

- Corporal Guy Bazak

19 years old, from Givatayim, a soldier in the 51st Battalion.

- Private Neria Aharon Negri

18 years old, from Talmon, a search and rescue soldier in the Home Front.

- Private Naama Aharon Nuni,

19 years old, from Afula, Personal Affairs NCO in the 77th Battalion.

- Lieutenant Yeftah Yebetz

23 years old, from Ramat Hasharon, officer in Maglan.

- Sergeant Ido Harosh

From Mitzpe Ramon, a fighter in the 77th Battalion.

- Second Lieutenant Yoav Maliev

19 years old, from Kiryat Ono, battalion liaison officer in the 77th Battalion.

- Corporal Nathaniel Young

20 years old, from Tel Aviv, a soldier in the 13th Battalion.

- Major Chen Buchris

26 years old, from Ashdod, deputy commander of the Commando Brigade

- Captain Or Yosef Ran

29 years old, from Itamar, squad commander in Commando Unit.

- Corporal Adi Gruman,

19 years old, from Hogla, collection fighter in the 414th battalion.

- Major General Amir Fisher

22 years old, from Tel Aviv, a soldier in the Commando Unit.

- Lieutenant (res.) Ido Edri

24 years old, from Gibton, an officer in the infantry.

In an effort to seek a coordinated Middle East response to Hamas’ attack on southern Israel that has left over 300 dead, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the PA, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

“I reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense and called for coordinated efforts to achieve an immediate halt to the violent attacks by Hamas terrorists and other militants,” Blinken said of his conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.

The surprise Hamas attack that began early Saturday morning came amid a US push for a security pact with Saudi Arabia that would also include a normalization deal with Israel.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said Farhan rejected the targeting of civilians and called on both Israel and Hamas to respect international law.

According to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller both Farhan and Blinken agreed to remain in close contact about the unfolding events.

Egypt's ongoing efforts

Blinken underscored that “I urged that all leaders in the region must condemn these appalling acts of terrorism.”

With respect to Egypt, Blinken thanked Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry for his country’s diplomatic efforts to calm the situation. Egypt has long played a role as a mediator between Hamas and Israel. 

“We appreciate Egypt’s ongoing efforts,” Blinken said, adding that in his conversation with Showery, he reiterated “the urgent need to halt the Hamas attacks.”

In his conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Blinken said he encouraged Ankara's engagement in the situation. Turkey in the past has also played an intermediary role with Hamas. Blinken similarly spoke with European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell.

When he spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Blinken urged condemnation of Hamas and asked that he “enhance steps to restore calm and stability in the West Bank.

Additional terrorists infiltrated an Israeli town near the Gaza border on Sunday morning, according to Israeli media reports.

The IDF launched artillery fire toward Lebanon after mortars were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel near Har Dov (Shebaa Farms), according to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.

مواقع العدو الصهيوني في تلال كفرشوبا ومزارع شبعا تتعرض للقصف
مدفعية العدو تقصف أطراف المنطقة pic.twitter.com/DOOQEjNptZ

— علي شعيب || Ali Shoeib 🇱🇧 (@alishoeib1970) October 8, 2023

This is a developing story.

Hamas stunned Israel on Saturday with the most damaging surprise attack on land, sea, and air that Israel has faced in decades, some citing the 1973 and 1948 wars.

The terror group successfully invaded around 22 Gaza corridor communities, of varying sizes, by cutting through the IDF’s supposedly enhanced border fence, amphibious landings with naval commandos at Zikim, and makeshift small air transport and drone-type vehicles simultaneously starting around 6:30 a.m.

The Gaza rulers also let loose a barrage of more than 2,000 rockets throughout the day, in what amounted to a complete breakdown of the IDF’s intelligence. Rocket fire from Gaza continued throughout the evening Saturday night, including in central Israel. Several direct hits left Israelis in critical condition or dead.

Within hours of the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, what was already painfully evident, that the country was at war.

“Citizens of Israel, we are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war,” he said before entering a hastily called cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv. Earlier, the IDF had announced that the campaign was called Operation Swords of Iron.

“This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours,” Netanyahu said.

“I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it,” he said.

After the initial attacks, Netanyahu said, “I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered – first of all – to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists.

He also said he had “ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we will return fire at a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price.”

Netanyahu reconvened the security cabinet on Saturday night.

As of press time, more than 250 Israelis have been killed, and more than 1,500 wounded. An unknown number have been kidnapped to Gaza and are still being held hostage. The wounded and dead resulted from all attacks: the invasion, the rockets, and from a surprise attack on various youth events in open areas. This was the largest number of Israeli casualties, especially civilians, in decades.

Late Saturday night, the IDF had rallied to take the fight to Hamas’s invaders in all of the 22 communities in Operation Swords of Iron, with Ofakim and Beeri said to be central areas of fighting, including larger ongoing hostage situations.

An IDF source estimated that full Israeli control of all of the invaded areas might be restored within hours, and would not take days.

The IDF has also undertaken an unknown number of counter-airstrikes, but more importantly, has moved 31 brigades into the area and is mobilizing four full reserve divisions to the area – in one of the largest reservist mobilizations in decades. About 80,000 reservists were called up during the 2014 Gaza War.

Late Saturday night, the IDF said that it had thwarted hundreds of Hamas terrorists from a second attempted invasion, as well stopping as a mix of earlier Hamas attackers who had already entered Israeli territory Saturday morning.

Hamas invasion attempts were thwarted at the Karni Crossing, the Erez Crossing, Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Kibbutz Nirim, among others.

Despite Netanyahu’s statement that Israel is at war, it was still unclear what level of ground operation the security cabinet would order – from a full takeover of Gaza, to a temporary takeover to hand over to another authority, to a more limited ground war, as has occurred over the last decade.

At press time, Hezbollah had not joined the conflict. IDF Chief Spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari said that Israel had delivered clear and threatening messages to the Lebanese terror group about the consequences it would face if it did enter the fray.

Ofir Lipstein, head of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists as he defended his settlement of Kfar Aza during the attack. He leaves behind four children, Walla reported. Serving his position since 2018, he reportedly stepped out with his weapon to fight the terrorists who infiltrated his community.

An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)

A second Israeli, a woman in her 60s, was killed when a rocket hit her building in the Gederot Regional Council.

Sirens sounded multiple times in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and southern Israel. Shelters were opened across the country.

A direct hit was reported on a building in Ashkelon. Dozens of vehicles also caught fire in the city. Many parts of Ashkelon and the surrounding area were without electricity. Later, there were direct hits in Rishon Lezion and Bat Yam. At least two young people under the age of 30 were in serous condition.

In Ramle, four civilians who were trapped under a damaged building were rescued by the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority.

“We urge residents to stay in protected areas, avoid approaching the scenes, and refrain from touching rocket remnants that may contain explosives or similar hazards,” Israel Police said.

“The public is urged to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command to stay close to protected areas, and residents of the Gaza periphery are requested to stay indoors,” the army requested.

Smoke is seen in the Rehovot area as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)

'The State of Israel will win this war’

“The Hamas [terrorist organization] has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting against the enemy at every location,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, following a situation assessment, as the IDF struck back with multiple forces.

Dozens of fighter jets and other aircraft of the IDF targeted 17 military facilities and four operational headquarters of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip, the IDF said.

“We have combat management over the Gaza Division, including support from combat helicopters; we have control there,” the IDF added. “We are conducting blockades with the Israel Police in all regions. There are airstrikes on several targets, such as tunnels, launchers, and fighter jets striking the border. Hundreds of such strikes have been carried out - resulting in many casualties, including numerous terrorists.

“The main effort is to eliminate all terrorists on the border and anyone attempting to return to the Gaza Strip. We first engage with aerial fire, followed by heavy ground assets,” the army said.

Gallant approved the draft of reserve soldiers per the IDF’s requirements. He also announced a “special security situation” in Israel’s Homefront, within a 0-80 km radius of the Gaza Strip. This status enables the IDF to provide civilians with safety instructions at close relevant sites.

“IDF is targeting all Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip,” the IDF said. “Wherever there are Hamas operatives, they will be targeted, they have no immunity.”

Gallant added: “The State of Israel will win this war.”

מבצע "חרבות ברזל"

עשרות מטוסי קרב וכלי טיס נוספים של צה"ל תקפו בשעות האחרונות 17 מתחמים צבאיים ו-4 מפקדות מבצעיות של ארגון הטרור חמאס ברחבי רצועת עזה pic.twitter.com/ZM91Adym0v

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) October 7, 2023

A building is ablaze following rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ITAI RON)

Hundreds of Israelis sought medical attention at hospitals throughout the country.

Magen David Adom (MDA) said it had treated hundreds of people throughout the country, including many in critical condition. In addition, MDA teams provided care for victims of anxiety and other minor injuries resulting from falls on the way to shelters.

Hospitals – including Soroka Medical Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Asaf Harofeh Hospital, Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital, Hadassah Medical Center, and Barzilai Medical Center – all took in the wounded.

“The State of Israel is facing a difficult hour,” said President Isaac Herzog. “I stand with the IDF, its commanders, soldiers, and all the security and rescue forces. I want to send words of encouragement and strength to all the residents of Israel who are under attack.

“I call upon everyone to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command, to show mutual support, and to stay resilient,” the president continued. “Together, we can overcome all those who wish us harm.”
Tovah Lazaroff contributed to this report.

Hamas fires a large number of rockets towards Israel in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023. (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

Tovah Lazaroff contributed to this report.

The Hamas terrorist organization has taken Israelis captive in Gaza, the IDF has confirmed hours after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel Saturday. 

Hamas terrorists infiltrated the country and took over Southern Israeli towns, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is at war.

"Since this morning, the State of Israel is at war," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, shortly after the IDF declared "Operation Swords of Iron."

At least 100 people were announced dead by early evening and more than 900 wounded by Magen David Adom and the Health Ministry. The number of people captured has not yet been confirmed. 

Among them, Ofir Liebstein, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists. Liebstein was killed as he defended his settlement during an attack. Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren, is currently filling his place. 

An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)

A second Israeli - a woman in her 60s - was killed when a rocket hit her building in the Gederot Regional Council.

The names and identities of the other victims had not yet been released, but the IDF said the numbers included several soldiers. 

Upwards of 2,000 rockets were fired, the IDF said. Sirens sounded multiple times in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and southern Israel. 

Shelters were opened across the country. 

A direct hit was reported on a building in Ashkelon. Dozens of vehicles also caught fire in the city. Many parts of Ashkelon and the surrounding were without electricity. 

In Ramla, four civilians who were trapped under a damaged building were rescued by the Israel Fire and Rescue personnel.  

Smoke is seen in the Rehovot area as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ILAN ROSENBERG)

"We urge residents to stay in protected areas, avoid approaching the scenes, and refrain from touching rocket remnants that may contain explosives or similar hazards," Israel Police said. 

"The public is urged to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command to stay close to protected areas, and residents of the Gaza periphery are requested to stay indoors," the army requested.

'The State of Israel will win this war’

"The Hamas [terrorist organization] has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting against the enemy at every location," said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following a situation assessment, as the IDF struck back with multiple forces.

Dozens of fighter jets and other aircraft of the IDF targeted 17 military facilities and four operational headquarters of the Hamas terrorist organization throughout the Gaza Strip, the IDF said.

"We have combat management over the Gaza Division, including support from combat helicopters; we have control there," the IDF added. "We are conducting blockades with the Israel Police in all regions. There are airstrikes on several targets, such as tunnels, launchers, and fighter jets striking the border. Hundreds of such strikes have been carried out - resulting in many casualties, including numerous terrorists.

"The main effort is to eliminate all terrorists on the border and anyone attempting to return to the Gaza Strip. We first engage with aerial fire, followed by heavy ground assets," the army said. 

Gallant approved the draft of reserve soldiers per the IDF's requirements. He also announced a "special security situation" in Israel's Homefront, within a 0-80 km radius of the Gaza Strip. This status enables the IDF to provide civilians with safety instructions at close relevant sites. 

"IDF is targeting all Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip," the IDF said. "Wherever there are Hamas operatives, they will be targeted, they have no immunity."

Gallant added: "The State of Israel will win this war."

מבצע "חרבות ברזל"

עשרות מטוסי קרב וכלי טיס נוספים של צה"ל תקפו בשעות האחרונות 17 מתחמים צבאיים ו-4 מפקדות מבצעיות של ארגון הטרור חמאס ברחבי רצועת עזה pic.twitter.com/ZM91Adym0v

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) October 7, 2023

In addition to the rockets, dozens of terrorists infiltrated numerous border points, the IDF said. There was also a maritime infiltration attempt into Kibbutz Zikim, as well as numerous border fence breaches. 

In Ofakim and Be'er Sheva, there are events involving residents of the Arab community, and special forces with senior officers are handling the situation there, the IDF said. In Kibbutz Be'eri, also in Southern Israel, Hamas took dozens of Israelis hostages, according to media reports. 

"We are conducting combat operations in 22 locations," the IDF said. " There is no settlement without our forces, in all the communities. Some settlements have been cleared, but additional sweeps are needed before declaring them safe."

A building is ablaze following rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel October 7, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/ITAI RON)

Update on the developing security situation in Israel. The Israel Police calls on the public to adhere to police and IDF instructions pic.twitter.com/BJHA6SEhxZ

— Israel Police (@israelpolice) October 7, 2023

Official response

Israeli officials held a security meeting in the afternoon and updated the public on Israel's military plans.

"Our first goal is primarily to clear the territory of the enemy forces that have entered and restore security and calm to the settlements that have been attacked," Netanyahu said. "The second goal, concurrently, is to exact a heavy price from the enemy, even in the Gaza Strip. The third goal is to fortify other areas so no one mistakenly joins this war."

Israel right now. pic.twitter.com/zEWSwHIPSj

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 7, 2023

Injured seek medical attention

Hundreds of Israelis sought medical attention at hospitals throughout the country. 

Magen David Adom (MDA) said it had treated hundreds of people throughout the country, including many in critical condition. In addition, MDA teams provided care for victims of anxiety and other minor injuries resulting from falls on the way to shelters. 

Hospitals including Soroka Medical Center, Kaplan Medical Center, Asaf Harofeh Hospital, Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital, Hadassah Medical Center, and Barzilai Medical Center all took in wounded. 

Soroka reported treating close to 300 people, including 60 in serious condition.

Hamas fires a large number of rockets towards Israel in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023. (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

Politicians speak out

As the war waged on, Israeli officials from across the spectrum spoke out.

"The State of Israel is facing a difficult hour," said President Isaac Herzog. "I stand with the IDF, its commanders, soldiers, and all the security and rescue forces. I want to send words of encouragement and strength to all the residents of Israel who are under attack.

"I call upon everyone to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command, to show mutual support, and to stay resilient," the president continued. "Together, we can overcome all those who wish us harm."

National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz said, "Hamas made a grave mistake, and they will bear the consequences. All citizens of Israel stand behind the IDF and the security forces, and the government has full backing to exact a heavy price for any determined and responsible action.

"We will remain attentive, united, and deliver a heavy and painful blow to the enemy," he continued.

Lapid stated that he would announce that he would support a military response to the broad attacks against Israeli citizens. 

However, Labor Party leader Merav Michaeli wrote on X: "Today is Netanyahu's Yom Kippur - a terrible and shameful failure, and a tough morning. To start Saturday and the holiday morning, children run to the stairwell with terrible reports about what is happening in the southern settlements."

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman stated, "Our strength is our unity. Fifty years since the Yom Kippur War, we once again find ourselves in a war for the home against the enemy. The Israeli government must exact a heavy price from Hamas."

Protest leaders also reacted, calling off the evening's demonstration in Tel Aviv.

"We stand by the IDF and the security forces carrying out their duties during this difficult time and hope for the restoration of calm and security," the Kaplan Force said.

Brothers in Arms and Forum 555 also called on their followers to support the IDF and fight for Israel's security.

"We call on everyone who is required to stand up for the defense of Israel to do so without hesitation and immediately," Brothers in Arms said in a statement. "Right now, the most important thing is the country's security."

The South’s medical resources were stretched to its limits Saturday as hundreds of wounded from the Hamas attack were brought to for medical care.

Soroka-University Medical Center in Beersheba reported last night that it had received more than 520 casualties since the beginning of the fighting.

An injured Israeli officer gestures as he arrives at a hospital, following a mass-infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel (credit: AMIR COHEN)

Those wounded to various degrees of severity are hospitalized in various departments: general intensive care, intermediate intensive care, general surgery, vascular, heart and chest, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, nose and throat, ophthalmology, pediatric surgery, and internal departments.

114 are in serious or critical condition

Among those hospitalized 114 are in serious or critical condition; 87 in moderate condition; and 324 are lightly wounded. There were four who suffered anxiety attacks. Seven Soroka patients who are connected to ventilators were moved to Herzog Medical Center in Jerusalem.

All elective and ambulatory activities will be canceled on Sunday.

The staff in some of the hospital’s units are switching to 12-hour shifts. Soroka will operate daycare centers for the children of the employees, to cater to those who are working shifts. Magen David Adom (MDA) and United Hatzalah (UH) ambucycles and ambulances rushed their staff and volunteers to where the dead and wounded were located.

The medevac helicopters of UH and Lahak Aviation evacuated some of the wounded to hospitals in central Israel, and UH teams scattered across southern Israel provided initial treatment to hundreds of victims with varying degrees of injury. The voluntary organization has raised its preparedness to its highest level, reinforced the response to routine calls, and switched the sound of ambulance sirens to a sound that does not resemble the sound of air-raid sirens.

Halt of all travel abroad of health system employees

Hospitals up to 80 kilometers from the Gaza Strip will not accept elective and ambulatory patients until further notice but will admit only emergency cases. No tipat halav (well-baby) clinics will function in this area on Sunday.

Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov ordered the halt of all travel abroad by health system employees, plus the cancellation of leave and the publication of a directive by the heads of hospital departments for the return of medical teams currently staying abroad.

“What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.” (Job 3:25)

The catastrophe that befell the people of Israel on the morning of Simchat Torah was the realization of one of the country’s worst nightmares: untold numbers of Israelis – including grandparents, children, and entire families – abducted by Hamas and spirited across the border following an unprecedented invasion by land, air, and sea in which hundreds of Israelis were killed and wounded.

The footage of hundreds of Hamas terrorists breaking through the border fence between Gaza and Israel at numerous points and entering Israeli territory to murder, maim, and kidnap Israelis; of Hamas gunmen riding pickup trucks through the streets of Israelis towns and going house by house to seek out victims; of young people who had participated in an all-night dance party running screaming through the Israeli desert with Hamas terrorists in pursuit; of Israeli civilians, including elderly people and mothers with children, paraded through the streets of Gaza as locals chant “allahu akbar” – they all seem too hellish, too ghastly to be real.

And yet, they are.

The greatest military and intelligence failure

The events of Saturday morning represent Israel’s greatest military and intelligence failure in half a century – if not in the 75 years of the country’s existence.

As I write this, more than 200 Israelis have been confirmed dead and more than 1,100 wounded in the unprecedented terrorist assault. Both numbers are certain to rise. The number of Israelis – both civilians and soldiers – taken hostage by Hamas has not been confirmed, but it is expected to be staggeringly high.

Israeli women and children from Kibbutz Nir after being rescued from Hamas terrorists by the Israel Border Police, October 7, 2023. (credit: MAARIV)

The attacks of September 11, 2001 changed a nation and shaped a generation of Americans. It altered the way people live their lives and go about everyday activities, shattered many Americans’ sense of security; and plunged America into a war on terror that is ongoing to this day.

At the time of the 9/11 attacks, America’s population was about 285 million. 2,977 people were murdered in the terror attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania – roughly 0.001% of all Americans. The airwaves, the papers, and the internet were filled with stories of the dead – it felt as though every American knew someone who lost someone or whose life had somehow been directly affected. 

Israel’s population is roughly 9.7 million. The 200 people confirmed dead thus far in Saturday’s terror attack represent more than 0.002% of all Israelis – a proportion of Israel’s population that is double that of Americans killed in 9/11.

The stories have already started pouring in: the young people murdered at the desert party; the local mayor killed in a gun battle; the fire chief and his deputy executed in their hometown. They will build to a deluge in the days ahead – the faces of those killed, the families shattered, the communities in mourning.

It is too soon to say what effect the events of this weekend will have on our lives, but it is certain to be profound and lasting. We are likely in for a military campaign the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades, as Israel seeks to rescue its kidnapped citizens and deal Hamas and its leadership a devastating blow. The price Hamas is likely to demand for the return of the hostages – alive or dead – may tear the country apart.

The decision of Israel's enemies decides Israel's future

A decision by Hezbollah or its overlords in Iran to join the warfare and launch an offensive in Israel’s North may plunge the country and the region into all-out war. Israel’s neighbors will be calculating and reassessing their views of Israel’s military prowess and may calibrate their approach to the Jewish state accordingly. The country’s security doctrine will need to be overhauled and its capabilities adjusted to address the threat posed by Hamas and its fellow terrorist groups. At the same time, a political realignment precipitated by the formation of an emergency unity government may impact domestic politics for years to come.

And the effect this will have on our collective psyche and our shared consciousness, on our very sense of security and our confidence in our ability to live freely and securely in this land – it will be felt for decades, if not generations.

The full scope of the catastrophe is, as yet, unknown, but one thing is clear: the events of October 7, 2023 – one of the darkest days in the country's history – will change everything. 

This is Israel’s 9/11. Nothing will ever be the same.

More than 1,400 Israelis were injured on Saturday, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

Energy and Infrastructure Minister Israel Katz signed an order to the Electric Company to stop supplying Gaza with electricity, in a press release on Saturday night.

"I signed the order instructing the electric company to stop the supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip. Whatever happened will not happen," read the press release.