The IDF on Tuesday released its findings from an investigation into the fierce battle that took place at the Mop Darom base (Negev Research and Development Center), near Nir Oz in the Eshkol Regional Council, during the October 7 massacre.
The investigation paints a complex picture: a surprise attack by at least 35 terrorists led to the collapse of the camp’s defense systems and the temporary capture of the facility by Hamas. Poor positioning and inadequate protection were exploited, allowing terrorists to gain control of key areas.
However, the report highlights the high level of readiness shown by the Golani Brigade, alongside the bravery of the soldiers and commanders. Despite suffering casualties, they displayed exceptional determination and led from the front.
The investigation concluded that the tenacity and courage of the soldiers, commanders, and reinforcements who arrived to assist were noteworthy. Their leadership throughout the battle, especially after the injury and death of the platoon commander, who led with distinction, was deserving of special commendation.
At least 35 terrorists infiltrated the camp, and 10 of them were killed by IDF forces during the fighting. Prior to the attack, Golani’s 51st Brigade had been stationed at the camp.
At 5:30 a.m., the brigade prepared for "dawn readiness" according to the orders and situation assessment at the time. An hour later, at 6:29 a.m., Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel, with terrorists infiltrating through multiple routes by vehicles, motorcycles, and on foot. Within minutes, the brigade soldiers were facing an organized assault, with the enemy holding a significant numerical advantage.
Phase 1: Terrorists infiltrate the camp, fight rages on in bunker and dining hall
06:29 – As red alert warnings of rockets sounded, the soldiers and platoon commanders moved into protected areas. Most entered the company’s dining hall, while others sought shelter in bunkers and the command post. Several mortar shells and drones exploded inside the camp during this time.
06:31 – Reports from the lookout indicated the infiltration of over 100 terrorists across 10 entry points in the camp.
06:35 – Despite lookout reports of increasing terrorist activity, a battalion operations officer assured in a WhatsApp group that everything inside the camp was operational. Meanwhile, IDF forces at a lookout point saw 20 terrorists on motorcycles approaching the camp.
06:47 – Dozens of terrorists infiltrated the camp through openings in the armored vehicle gate and main entrance.
07:00 – Upon realizing most of the soldiers were inside the dining hall, the terrorists began firing at them using small arms, shoulder-fired missiles, and machine guns, and throwing grenades. Simultaneously, fighting broke out between terrorists and soldiers who were inside the bunkers and the command post.
Two commanders, Captain Shilo Rauchberger and the platoon commander, ordered soldiers in the dining hall to defend both the front and back entry points. This critical decision prevented a massacre in the dining hall and led to a prolonged battle lasting for approximately three hours.
07:15 – Terrorists continued their intense fire, attempting to break into the dining hall by throwing grenades and starting fires. Despite the heavy assault, the soldiers, including Rauchberger, fought valiantly from inside.
During the battle, an unknown number of terrorists were killed, and others were repelled. Seventeen soldiers, including both officers and enlisted personnel, were injured, but they continued to fight until they required medical attention.
07:30 – The platoon commander and another soldier stopped an infiltration attempt at the back entrance, despite being hit by a shoulder-fired missile. The platoon commander, though injured, continued to lead the defense.
Simultaneously, Sergeant Amichay Rubin was seriously injured while blocking the main entrance alongside Captain Rauchberger. Rubin succumbed to his injuries three days later. Rauchberger continued fighting until his own injuries took their toll, and he was killed. Sergeant Shlomo Reshetnikov, a lone soldier who immigrated from Russia, was also killed while defending the dining hall.
While the fighting unfolded in the dining hall, terrorists targeted nearby bunkers, attempting to breach the doors with shoulder missiles, explosives, and gunfire. The soldiers inside repelled the attacks, using their bodies to block the doors.
08:15 – The terrorists planted explosives on the south bunker door. Sergeant Dvir Haim Resler was killed while holding the door, preventing the terrorists from breaching it and saving the lives of two other soldiers. The explosion damaged the locking mechanism, but the terrorists ultimately withdrew.
Phase 2: Arrival of reinforcements, terrorists withdraw
09:00 – A five-soldier patrol vehicle arrived and found no terrorists inside the camp. They rescued two soldiers from the north bunker and conducted a search of the facility.
By evening, a special entry kit was used to open the damaged south bunker door. The force commander set up a casualty evacuation point and organized the remaining uninjured soldiers into medical and security teams.
The terrorists withdrew from the camp, setting up ambushes along the access routes.
Phase 3: Fighting outside the camp, reinforcements arrive
13:51 – Four urgent casualties were evacuated on stretchers. On their way to the evacuation helicopter, the IDF forces came under fire from two points. Two soldiers were injured, but the forces returned fire. Two attack helicopters joined the communication network for support.
The platoon commander, hearing the bursts of gunfire, instructed his team to return fire and maneuver toward the camp to flank the terrorists. The helicopters engaged the terrorists but were unaware of the platoon commander’s force.
14:03 – The platoon force identified three terrorists at a range of 50-70 meters, killed them, and continued fighting. Four additional terrorists were killed by forces in APC (armored personnel carrier) positions.
14:15 – The attack helicopters ceased fire after identifying the platoon commander’s force.
15:40 – An evacuation helicopter landed and evacuated five injured soldiers.
17:00 – The platoon commander coordinated with the former Golani Brigade commander and arranged for reconnaissance teams to protect surrounding settlements.
19:00 – Another helicopter evacuated the remaining casualties.
21:00 – Reinforcements arrived and reinforced the camp’s defenses, enabling the platoon to organize for further operations.
Conclusions of the investigation
The enemy’s attack, which included heavy fire and multiple infiltration points, neutralized the camp’s defenses and pinned down the defending force for several hours. Despite lookout reports of infiltrations across several sectors, the defense forces inside were unable to assist the surrounding settlements in time. The camp’s vulnerability was compounded by poor location, inadequate preparation, and a collapsed defense posture.
Despite these challenges, the soldiers’ bravery and tactical decisions significantly reduced the number of casualties. The actions of commanders, soldiers, and reinforcements, who fought even after being injured, saved many lives and prevented terrorists from entering vital areas like the dining hall and bunkers.
Special recognition must be given to the tactical college officer who arrived and assumed command, saving lives and ensuring the continued function of the camp’s forces. The air forces also conducted life-saving evacuations under fire, demonstrating professionalism and coordination with ground forces.
Ultimately, the lack of prior warning and the camp’s unpreparedness contributed to its initial collapse. However, the courage of those who fought, led by the commanders, was pivotal in turning the tide of battle.