The events leading up to the October 7 attacks in Israel reveal a disturbing narrative. Former soldiers from Israel’s military observation unit say their warnings about Hamas activity went unheard. Their testimony sheds light on critical failures that could have prevented tragedy.
The Voices on the Frontline
Roni Lifshitz, a former observer, articulated the frustration many feel: “If I had been valued a little more — not much, just a little — maybe it could have ended differently.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the ranks of those who served in the Israel Defense Forces’ unit 414, stationed at Nahal Oz military base on the Gaza border.
These young soldiers, many only 19 or 20 years old, dedicated their mandatory military service to monitoring surveillance feeds. Their mission was clear: to keep watch for threats. However, as the October 7 date approached, Lifshitz began to notice unusual activity.
The Signs Ignored
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Increased Militant Activity: Lifshitz reported seeing Hamas militants conducting suspicious operations close to the border. They were driving in black trucks, resembling special forces units, and appeared to be on a “combat patrol” just 300 yards from the fence.
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Training for Kidnappings: She witnessed militants using a model of an Israeli tank, practising scenarios similar to those that unfolded on October 7. “They were actually training for what happened that day,” she recalled.
Despite these alarming observations, Lifshitz felt unheard. “I reported all of these events, but was met with silence,” she stated. “No updates, no feedback. Just nothing.”
The Morning of the Attack
On the morning of the attacks, Lifshitz was training in Jerusalem, unaware of the horror that awaited her colleagues at Nahal Oz. The base was stormed, resulting in the tragic deaths of 15 fellow soldiers, all young women. Their vulnerability was highlighted by their attire—many were in their sleepwear, caught off guard by the brutal assault.
The Search for Accountability
Survivors like Lifshitz are left grappling with immense guilt and unanswered questions. “Why me and not them?” she pondered. Alongside her fellow soldiers, she is demanding answers about why their warnings were ignored.
“Who received the information and didn’t give the order to act?” she asks. “Who turned a blind eye?”
In response, the Israeli military has stated that they are focused on current operations against Hamas, with inquiries into past intelligence failures to come later.
High-Profile Meetings and Promises
After a meeting in July between Lifshitz, her fellow observers, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the government promised a thorough investigation into the intelligence failures surrounding the attacks. However, despite these assurances, no formal inquiry has yet been launched.
Grassroots Investigations
Surviving members of unit 414 have not remained silent. In September, Lifshitz, along with fellow former soldiers Amit Yerushalmi and Margaret Weinstein, participated in an unofficial civil commission of inquiry. They aim to collect evidence of intelligence failures before the attacks, which claimed over 1,200 lives and led to approximately 240 people being taken hostage.
Weinstein reported equipment failures on the base, such as broken surveillance cameras, while Yerushalmi noted an increase in suspicious Hamas activities leading up to the attack. Both confirmed Lifshitz’s claims of being ignored.
Seeking Truth for the Families
The commission, initiated by Ofer Rosenbaum and Haim Rubenstein, seeks to provide answers to the victims’ families. They are determined to uncover what really happened: “If the army failed, I need to understand what happened,” Rosenbaum stated.
The commission includes experienced figures like retired Maj. Gen. Eyal Ben-Reuven and former police commissioner Shlomo Aharonishki, working towards a preliminary report set to be released next month.
Voices from the Past
In August, prominent figures such as opposition leader Yair Lapid testified that Netanyahu received detailed warnings about Hamas’s increased activity. Lapid described the Prime Minister as “bored and indifferent” during critical briefings, raising serious questions about the government’s attentiveness to security concerns.
Danny Yatom, former head of the Mossad, added his voice to the testimony, acknowledging systemic failures: “All layers of defense in Israel collapsed simultaneously,” he asserted. He further implicated Netanyahu, stating he failed to address early warnings appropriately.
The Weight of Survival
Today, Lifshitz wears a necklace bearing a photo of her best friend, Shahaf Nissani, who was killed during the attack. “I try to hide my emotions, but my heart is broken,” she admits. The emotional toll weighs heavily on her, as she balances everyday life while processing her trauma and survivor’s guilt.
Conclusion: The Need for Answers
The tragic events of October 7 serve as a painful reminder of the cost of ignored warnings and the need for accountability. Survivors like Lifshitz, along with their families, deserve answers. Only through understanding these failures can Israel work towards preventing future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, one thing remains clear: the voices of those who watched from the border must be heard. They are the key to understanding what went wrong and ensuring that history does not repeat itself.
