IDF Confirms Investigation Into Transfer of Hundreds of Troops From Gaza Ahead of October 7 Attack. Can't Wait For War to End

Israeli military illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

JAKARTA - The Israeli military (Israel Defense Forces - IDF) confirmed that an investigation into the transfer of hundreds of its members from the Gaza border ahead of the Hamas invasion would be carried out immediately, without waiting for the end of the war.

This will add to the list of internal investigations among Israeli security authorities, after previously an investigation was to be held regarding the failure of Israel's intelligence and security system to anticipate the Hamas attack on October 7 into the country's southern region.

An IDF spokesman on Monday said the investigation into the October 7 fiasco would include an assessment of the decision to move reinforcements from the Gaza border to the West Bank, just days before the Hamas offensive.

"Troops have indeed been moved," explained Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, according to CNN, December 5.

"And I said that this will be discussed in the operational review, and the answers will be fully provided to the public," the spokesperson continued.

Admiral Hagari confirmed that the military would not delay the investigation "until the war is over".

Previously, Israel's public broadcaster, Israel's Channel 11, reported on Sunday that more than 100 additional combat troops were on October 5 moved from near the Gaza border to the West Bank, coinciding with the Jewish High Holidays.

The report comes after weeks of speculation in Israeli media and denials from the IDF.

When asked about the redeployment, Admiral Hagari said rotation decisions are made every weekend, "in accordance with the General Staff's situational assessment, regarding where to deploy reserve forces, in light of existing threats."

"We will investigate this matter," he stressed.

Separately, the Prime Minister's Office has consistently said that failures need to be investigated, but this is not the right time considering the main focus is the war in Gaza.

That refers to an investigation into the failure of Israel's security and intelligence systems to anticipate Hamas attacks, despite said to have had previous warnings.

It was said that it would be unethical if an investigation was carried out while the current concentration is on the war in Gaza.