The Kfar Aza Massacre

The Kfar Aza Massacre
Above: Images of Israelis hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip since October 7, hang outside a destroyed house in Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the border with the Gaza Strip on September 12, 2024. Image copyright: Menahem Kahana/ AFP

Background

Kfar Aza, a kibbutz of over 700 residents located approximately 3 km from the Gaza Strip, was one of several sites attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, sparking the Israel-Gaza war, which has seen tens of thousands injured, killed, and displaced.

Situated within Israel's internationally recognized borders and not considered a settlement under international law, prior to Oct. 7, Kfar Aza was generally perceived as safe, despite its proximity to Gaza.

Above: Kfar Aza in 1970, Image copyright:Israel Preker via Wikimedia Commons

Security Measures

The kibbutz had various security measures, including a volunteer armed guard composed of kibbutz members with military training. These local rapid response teams were responsible for initial security responses in Kfar Aza and other communities in southern Israel. Residents also had access to safe rooms.

Furthermore, Israel maintained a complex border security system along the Gaza Strip, including a 59-kilometer security barrier, watchtowers, military equipment, and the Iron Dome air defense system.

Strict control over Gaza's borders was imposed through physical barriers, patrols, and restrictions on movement. Despite these measures, approximately 17K-18.5K Palestinians from Gaza had permits to work in Israel.

Rising Tensions and Warnings

In the lead-up to Oct. 7, tensions escalated due to increased settler violence, clashes at religious sites, and border incidents. Multiple intelligence reports and warnings preceded the Oct.7, 2023 attack.

Above: A man works in the fields near the Israeli-Gaza border on July 23, 2014 near Kfar Aza, Israel, Image copyright:Andrew Burton/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

Over a year before, Israeli intelligence reportedly obtained Hamas' detailed invasion plan, codenamed "Jericho Wall." Suspicious activities near Gaza were observed, and warnings were issued by various sources, including an Israeli signals intelligence unit member and Egypt.

The head of AMAN's "Devil's Advocate" unit issued four warnings in the three weeks before Oct. 7. Despite these numerous warnings and indicators, Israeli intelligence largely dismissed them as theoretical or training exercises rather than feasible threats. The warnings were often not passed on to top decision-makers or were not taken seriously.

The Israeli military's delayed response to the attack on Kfar Aza, with it taking hours for soldiers to arrive, further highlighted the intelligence and operational failures. Investigations into these events were initiated but later suspended by Israel's high court, and the government has postponed full accountability measures until after the war.

What is a Kibbutz?
Meaning "gathering" in Hebrew, Kibbutzim are small communities or towns that have been historically centered around agriculture and collective farming. When these communities were first established in the early 20th century, they were founded on socialist and marxist principles of collective ownership. In contemporary times, less than 3% of Israel's population live in Kibbutzim, though they have never housed a majority of the population. Many Israeli politicians, military leaders, intellectuals, and artists hail from these communities.

The Spin

Narrative A

The Kfar Aza tragedy was an unforeseeable act of terror against innocent civilians. Israel had robust security measures in place, including a barrier, local response teams, and safe rooms. The attack's scale and brutality were unprecedented, overwhelming even the best defenses. Though it seems that the military and security services underestimated Hamas in hindsight, Israel’s leadership has consistently worked hard to ensure the country’s security.

Narrative B

The Kfar Aza massacre was a direct result of Israeli intelligence failures and government negligence. Multiple warnings were ignored, and the military's response was unacceptably slow. This tragedy could have been prevented if officials had taken the threat seriously. It exposes deep flaws in Israel's security apparatus and raises questions regarding the competence of the country’s leadership.

Establishment-critical narrative

Netanyahu was aware that Hamas was planning a large-scale attack and allowed it to happen so that Israel could ethnically cleanse Gaza and take over the territory. Given the sheer amount of security reports in the weeks and months leading up to Oct. 7, Netanyahu had to know what was coming. Indeed, this was the plan all along.


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