A recent military investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has identified the fall of the Paga border outpost as a pivotal moment that facilitated the Hamas-led invasion of Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7. According to the probe, the military personnel stationed at the post were caught off guard by a coordinated assault involving 60 to 80 militants.

The investigation details a chaotic and intense battle that lasted for several hours. During the engagement, 18 soldiers were killed and 22 were wounded while attempting to defend the position. The findings suggest that the outpost was not adequately prepared to repel a surprise attack of such magnitude, which allowed the militants to bypass this defensive line and proceed toward the kibbutz. The report serves as part of the broader internal military review into the security failures that occurred during the October 7 attacks, focusing on tactical readiness and the response capabilities of units stationed along the border.