Security
IDF Report on Matzav Paga: 18 Fighters Killed, Army Failed to Defend Position
The IDF released today its operational report on the battle for Matzav Paga, and according to it the army failed to meet its defense mission and did not prevent the terrorists' infiltration into Kibbutz Bari and the takeover of the position. Between 60 and 80 terrorists infiltrated the position, which was manned by a company from Battalion 13 of the Golani Brigade, and in battles in the area 18 fighters were killed and 22 were wounded. According to the report, the fighters and commanders were not properly prepared for their mission.
· Source: N12; photo as published
A military investigation released by the IDF determined that the army failed to meet its defense mission in the battle over Matzav Paga on October 7, in which 18 fighters were killed and 22 wounded after between 60 and 80 terrorists infiltrated the position.
The operational investigation, headed by Brigadier General Uri Ron and released today (Wednesday) to the public, determined that the IDF did not prevent the fall of the sectors in its zone and the infiltration of terrorists into Kibbutz Bari and the takeover of Matzav Paga, called Magen Bari. According to the report, Matzav Paga was manned on the morning of October 7 by a company from Battalion 13 of the Golani Brigade, which lost dozens of its fighters that day in battles at positions and in Envelope communities.
At 06:29 Hamas opened massive fire, and dozens of terrorists broke through the barrier in multiple infiltration routes. Nine terrorists first infiltrated the position at 06:55 through a breach in the fence, and in the first barrage three mortar company fighters were killed, and after that additional fighters fell in battle, including the acting position commander Sergeant Dqal Sueissa. According to the report, at 13:13 five fighters went out to assault the terrorists outside and were all killed in the assault. Rescue forces arrived at the position only at 16:20.
Meanwhile, a tank under the command of Sergeant First Class Shay Levinson eliminated ten terrorists at 06:45, and at 06:56 the tank was hit by an anti-tank missile. Levinson was killed in the explosion and his body was captured to Gaza, and according to the report was returned home in June 2025 in a special operation by the IDF and the Shin Bet. Tank driver Ido Somech continued driving to the Nova party area, where he acted as a buffer to protect police and civilians at the site.
The investigation team determined that the battle results express a systemic failure in preparedness for a broad attack in surprise, and that the platoon combat team from Battalion 13 of the Golani Brigade was not prepared for the mission in terms of equipment, position readiness and position infrastructure. According to the report, neutralization of divisional force multipliers by the enemy enabled infiltration into the position and Kibbutz Bari, air force strikes were not effective enough due to gaps in coordination with ground forces, and the fall of senior commanders in the field affected decision-making and battle management.
Source: N12
