Junior Commanders' Heroism on October 7 Saved Over 100 Lives

The Israel Defense Forces revealed this week the results of an investigation into the Hamas attack on the Zikim training base on October 7, highlighting the extraordinary bravery of junior commanders who fought to protect over 100 unarmed recruits under near-impossible conditions.

As Hamas terrorists stormed Israeli communities, seven soldiers and commanders at Zikim were killed defending the base. According to the IDF’s report, the battle began at 6:29 a.m. when a surprise rocket barrage knocked out power and communications. Amid the chaos, commanders swapped rookies out of exposed guard posts and personally manned defensive positions.

Within minutes, waves of armed terrorists breached the perimeter. In fierce firefights, two terrorists were killed, but Maj. Adir Abudi and another officer were fatally shot. Without backup and with communications severed, the junior commanders held the line, delaying enemy forces and saving lives.

At the seaside gate, personnel sheltered about 20 civilians fleeing Zikim Beach. Two terrorists attempted to break through. One was shot immediately, while the other was wounded and later neutralized by arriving IDF commandos.

The base’s shooting range came under direct attack, with an RPG blast killing four soldiers. Yet even under this pressure, bravery shone through: Cpl. Neria Aharon Nagari, an 18-year-old recruit, confronted a terrorist in a bomb shelter. Though mortally wounded after a struggle, Nagari’s actions allowed his comrades, Daniel Abuhatzira and Ayman al-Lala, to eliminate the attacker, preventing a massacre.

By mid-morning, reinforcements like 2nd Lt. Avichail Reuven who ran 12 kilometers under fire from his home to the base joined the fight, helping to secure the area.

Despite these acts of heroism, the investigation noted grave failures: the base was not properly fortified, lacked enough weapons, and was poorly integrated into the broader defense strategy. Most recruits were just two months into service.

Still, Zikim was never captured, unlike other bases. Nine terrorists were eliminated during the battle. The report praised the junior commanders’ personal example, brotherhood, and unyielding dedication under fire.

The IDF has pledged improvements, including fortifying training bases and providing heavier weaponry such as grenades and RPGs. “We underestimated the risk to training facilities near the border,” a senior officer admitted. “That mistake won’t be repeated.”

Footage from Zikim Beach also revealed how Hamas naval commandos managed to land 16 terrorists despite the interception of five out of seven enemy boats, underscoring the complex multi-front assault Israel faced that day.

The Zikim base report adds to a growing body of IDF investigations into the failures and heroism of October 7, when 5,000 Hamas and PIJ terrorists breached Israel’s defenses. At least 1,180 Israelis and foreigners were killed, and 252 were taken hostage. 59 hostages remain today, with 36 believed dead.

While the IDF investigations focus on operational lessons, the heroism of young Israeli soldiers standing firm amid darkness and terror speaks volumes about the spirit that sustains Israel.

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