IDF arrived in Ofakim after Oct. 7 battles were over, probe finds

(JNS) — The Israel Defense Forces failed to protect Ofakim, a city of some 40,000 residents located 12.5 miles west of Beersheva, during the Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border massacre led by Hamas, an internal investigation report released by the military on Monday concludes.

The investigation further found that the bravery and quick battle engagements of police officers, civilians and soldiers on the scene were the primary reasons the killing spree was halted at a relatively early stage.

Fifteen Palestinian terrorists from Gaza invaded Ofakim a little after 7 a.m., murdering 11 civilians in the firs...