State Comptroller Publishes Security-Related Reports from the Period Preceding the Swords of Iron War

State Comptroller and Ombudsman Matanyahu Englman published (April 1, 2025) several reports based on audits of security-related matters conducted prior to the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War.

 

These reports include:
A report on a special audit conducted by Comptroller Englman in eight IDF outposts along the northern border during the summer of 2023; a report that reviewed preparedness for emergency events along the northern border in a specific context; a report that examined cyber defense measures for the Home Front Command’s command-and-control system [Shual]; a report that reviewed work processes and operational interfaces within the Israeli security establishment, both domestically and abroad.

 

State Comptroller Englman stated: “The Simchat Torah massacre of October 7 resulted from numerous and severe failures in the defense of Israel’s borders. In a surprise audit we conducted at eight IDF outposts prior to October 7, we uncovered serious gaps and failures in the defense of the northern border.  The report — which was submitted before October 7 to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, and the Chief of Staff at the time — should have served as a warning sign regarding the deficiencies in the protection of the country’s borders.” 

The Comptroller emphasized that “this report constitutes further evidence of the critical importance of State Comptroller oversight and of the obligation of audited bodies to cooperate with the audit process, recognize its value, and act to correct deficiencies in a timely manner. The delay in publishing the report resulted from a decision by a subcommittee of the Knesset State Control Committee.” 

The Comptroller concluded by saying that “this report is not a substitute for the ongoing audit of the failures of October 7, which is currently being conducted with regard to all relevant bodies – the political, military, and civilian echelons.”