Outgoing Israeli Air Force Chief Tomer Bar Calls for Independent External Inquiry into October 7 Failure

Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, ending his IAF command, urged an objective external committee to investigate the October 7, 2023 Hamas onslaught, saying a transparent review is essential to restore trust among the IDF, security agencies, bereaved families, and the public.

Times of Israel

On October 7, Hamas militants crossed into southern Israel, killing roughly 1,200 civilians and sparking a war the IAF described as unfolding across seven arenas. Bar’s early tenure overlapped with nationwide protests against the 2023 judicial overhaul, which he warned threatened the Air Force’s cohesion.

Times of Israel

Bar’s 39-year career ended with intense IAF activity. Under his leadership the service executed coordinated strikes with the U.S. Air Force, extended aerial reach into Iraq and Iran, and led Operation Roaring Lion against regional proxies. He emphasized the force’s ability to regroup and conduct complex missions despite simultaneous challenges.

Outgoing IAF Chief Tomer Bar concludes 39-year career, warns the absence of an Iran nuclear deal would be 'major failure'

In his farewell address at Tel Nof Airbase, Bar stressed preserving IAF competence and drawing a clear line between politics and military duties. He praised the resilience of servicemen and women on October 7 and reiterated his demand for an independent inquiry. Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this, noting the October 7 failure will linger in the defense establishment while the IAF’s regrouping produced historic achievements.

Times of Israel

Senior IDF figures, including former chief Herzi Halevi and former intelligence chief Aharon Haliva, have resigned since October 7, citing accountability concerns. Bar’s external-committee proposal contrasts with the government’s three-year reluctance, prompting criticism that political leaders have escaped scrutiny.

The Jerusalem Post

• “the Air Force's failure to defend the State of Israel on October 7 will haunt the defense establishment and the Air Force for many years to come.” — Israel Katz, Defense Minister

YnetNews

• “We were only a step away from undermining the foundations of the Air Force.” — Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar

Times of Israel

• “Bar said he would never forget the IDF's and the air force's failure that day, allowing Hamas to invade southern Israel and kill 1,200 Israelis.” — Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar

The Jerusalem Post

• “It is clear to all that the full picture will become clear only after the work of an objective external investigation committee,” — Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar

Times of Israel

Bar’s call meets official resistance; the government has not defined the committee’s composition or mandate, leaving a gap in accountability mechanisms and fueling debate over a state-led versus independent probe.

Times of Israel

Bar’s handover ceremony highlighted urgency. Observers expect mounting pressure from the IAF and civil society to compel the government to appoint an external panel within the coming months, though a timeline remains uncertain.

Times of Israel