Full Breakdown
Israel’s NILI Task Force Pursues Every Participant in the October 7 Attack
5/21/2026, 8:28:45 PM
Background: October 7 Attack and the Birth of NILI
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants killed roughly 1,200 Israelis and abducted about 250 hostages. In response, Israel formed a dedicated task force named NILI (Netzach Yisrael Lo Yeshaker, “The Eternal One of Israel does not lie”) to locate and eliminate every individual involved, from low-level operatives to senior commanders.
Scope and Methods of the NILI Operation
NILI compiled a list of “thousands of names” linked to the massacre. The unit employs facial-recognition software on social-media videos, cellphone-location data, intercepted communications, battlefield footage, and interrogations of Gazan detainees. Israeli officials state that once two independent pieces of evidence confirm participation, the person is marked for elimination without trial. Targets have included a tractor driver who breached the border fence and senior Hamas military leader Izz ad-Din al-Haddad.
Key Figures and Organizational Structure
Former Shin Bet senior official Shalom Ben Hanan articulated the deterrent purpose of the operation. Former military-intelligence officer Michael Milstein emphasized the regional discourse of revenge. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir identified al-Haddad as a chief perpetrator. NILI functions under coordination of the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet, relaying intelligence to commanders who conduct strikes.
Data and Scale
The task force’s database contains “thousands of names.” Operations have taken place in Gaza and have extended to targeted killings in Lebanon and Iran. Although the unit was reduced after the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, it remains active and continues to provide actionable intelligence for strikes.
Official Statements & Responses
Israeli officials describe the killings as lawful wartime targeting of combatants who executed or supported the October 7 assault. Several families of former hostages have publicly welcomed the strikes and urged the continuation of the hunt for remaining attackers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The clear message to all future enemies is to think again about the price of a terrorist operation like that,” — Shalom Ben Hanan, former senior Shin Bet official
- “revenge is an important part of the discourse” — Michael Milstein, former senior Israeli military intelligence officer
- “one of the chief perpetrators of the October 7 massacre and the head of Hamas’ military wing.” — Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, IDF Chief of Staff
- “The Eternal One of Israel does not lie” — NILI (acronym meaning)
- “The Glory of Israel does not deceive.” — NILI (acronym translation)
Implications and What’s Next
The ongoing NILI campaign reflects Israel’s stated aim to send a clear message to future adversaries and to provide what officials call “treatment for the soul” for victims’ families. Continued intelligence sharing indicates that strikes against remaining suspects, including those located outside Gaza, are expected to continue in the coming months.
