Local defenders saved Kibbutz Magen from massacre: IDF probe

The kibbutz’s 26-member security squad fought off some 60 invading terrorists, forcing them to retreat.

By World Israel News Staff

The Israeli military failed to defend Kibbutz Magen during the October 7 invasion, leaving the Gaza-adjacent community to face waves of terrorists on its own, according to an internal IDF probe.

The investigation, which took three months to complete, found that IDF forces did not arrive at the kibbutz until 1:30 p.m. — nearly seven hours after the assault began.

By that time, the local security squad had already fought off the terrorists and forced them to retreat.

The probe concluded that the only thing preventing the massacre of residents was the kibbutz’s security squad, made up of 26 armed members.

Better prepared than other local kibbutz defense teams, the Magen defenders fought off three waves of 20–30 terrorists each, who attacked starting at 6:30 a.m.

“The fighting of the members of the security squad…together with the residents of the kibbutz who volunteered [to join the battle], repelled the terrorists, led to their retreat to the Gaza Strip, and prevented heavy casualties and damage,” the IDF report stated.

The investigation credited security coordinator Baruch Cohen, who was wounded in battle, and his team with minimizing casualties.

Magen residents Avraham “Avi” Fleisher, 63, and Ofir Mordechai Yaron, 51, were killed defending the kibbutz. Cohen and another member of the squad were wounded by gunfire while fighting the invading terrorists.

Despite Hamas’ repeated attempts — lasting nearly five hours — the terrorists ultimately retreated after failing to overrun the kibbutz or carry out kidnappings.

The report noted that, compared with the mass killings and abductions at other border communities, Kibbutz Magen’s defense prevented large-scale loss of life.

Once IDF troops finally arrived, they searched the kibbutz for about five hours before declaring the area clear of terrorists and weapons.

Residents were evacuated the following day.