A Haaretz investigation has revealed that Colonel Haim Cohen, commander of the Northern Brigade in the Gaza Division, visited the Nova music festival just an hour before the deadly Hamas attack on October 7 but chose not to enhance security measures or consider dispersing the event.
According to the report, Cohen arrived at the site around 5:30 A.M. after driving from his home in Tiberias, following overnight intelligence warnings of unusual Hamas activity. Upon arrival, he observed more than 4,000 attendees and minimal police presence — roughly 50 officers — yet concluded that the festival was secure. He later told military investigators that seeing a Yamam counterterrorism unit and a police vehicle reassured him about the safety of the event.
The Nova festival went on to become the deadliest site of the October 7 attacks, with 378 people killed and 44 taken hostage into Gaza.
The IDF investigation, obtained by Haaretz, concluded that Cohen miscalculated by not assigning additional forces or raising concerns about the event during situation briefings. Most sector troops were unaware the festival was even taking place, despite Cohen having personally approved its security plan earlier that week.
Military officials later determined that a more thorough assessment during the night could have led to dispersing or canceling the festival altogether. Cohen himself acknowledged in later remarks that he worried he “might be misjudging the situation,” but nonetheless did not alter security arrangements.
Despite commanding heavy fighting on October 7, Cohen faced criticism for his handling of the festival’s security. In December 2024, then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi dismissed him from his position, and he subsequently announced his retirement.
The IDF has not issued a comment on the findings.
