An IDF probe found the army failed to defend Paga Outpost on Oct. 7, 2023; troops lacked drills for a surprise Gaza attack. Twenty-two soldiers were killed, 18 were wounded and two were taken hostage and dragged to Gaza; terrorists also entered Kibbutz Be’eri.
The probe said Paga was meant to defend Kibbutz Be’eri and concluded that failures at the outpost enabled terrorists to infiltrate the kibbutz. It cited broader preparedness problems involving combat-position readiness, infrastructure for fighting and soldiers lacking key equipment. Terrorists attacked intelligence-gathering capabilities and the supporting tank platoon; most Israeli Air Force strikes were ineffective because of coordination gaps with ground forces.
Commanders were killed during the battle, affecting decisions and battle management; the company commander could not reach the command center. Rescue forces arrived at 4:20 p.m., cleared the outpost and evacuated wounded soldiers and fallen troops. No terrorists remained in the compound when they arrived.
