Context:

An investigation into the Israel Air Force's (IAF) response during the October 7, 2023, massacre reveals significant failures, including delayed reactions, missed intelligence, and rigid command structures that hampered decision-making. Brig.-Gen. Oren Solomon highlighted a lack of situational awareness and the dismissal of intelligence reports indicating impending Hamas attacks, leading to uncoordinated and ineffective responses during critical moments. The IAF's inability to act independently and the centralization of command resulted in missed opportunities to strike infiltrating terrorists, allowing many to return to Gaza. Following these events, IAF leadership acknowledged their unpreparedness and the need for improved operational flexibility. Moving forward, discussions are likely to focus on restructuring command systems to enhance responsiveness to threats.

Dive Deeper:

• Brig.-Gen. Oren Solomon reported that the IAF experienced severe failures characterized by a 'chain of incorrect decisions' and a lack of real-time situational understanding during the October 7 massacre.

• A young female officer attempted to obtain intelligence materials to assess Hamas's planned attack but was denied access despite making around 50 calls to military intelligence.

• At 6:53 a.m., the Gaza Division's operations officer informed IAF command of simultaneous raids, yet the IAF delayed any response, remaining on the ground for nearly three hours before attacking.

• The IAF's commander, Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar, stated that the force was 'not effective enough' and failed to challenge the assumption that Hamas was deterred, which contributed to their inadequate preparedness for the attack.

• Pilots expressed frustration at the centralized control which hampered their ability to engage targets effectively, leading to missed opportunities and confusion during the crisis.

• An earlier incident in Jenin highlighted the necessity for independent decision-making among pilots, which was not learned from leading up to the October 7 events.

• The Turgeman Commission confirmed the IDF's operational readiness but criticized the IAF for failing to adapt its strategies based on previous experiences.