Hundreds of IDF investigations into killings without public outcome, BBC Verify finds

Cases across four areas

BBC Verify counted 158 cases in Gaza, 48 in the West Bank and 32 in Lebanon. Another 16 were reported in Israel or in IDF detention. The incidents occurred from 7 October 2023 to 19 August 2026. Reports said at least one person had been killed in more than 200 cases.

Few public updates given

The IDF was contacted repeatedly about each case, but provided information on only two, saying both were still being reviewed. It said it treats allegations of conduct that may breach laws or military directives with the utmost seriousness.

The military has often described cases as being examined, checked or reviewed, without later announcing a result. Its investigation findings are not routinely released, even when a probe leads to a criminal investigation of soldiers.

Rare report details probes

In August, the IDF issued an uncommon account of internal reviews into five Gaza incidents. They included the deaths of Hind Rajab and 15 Palestinian emergency workers; the report said those cases had been referred for criminal investigations.

The report said the General Staff Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism had reviewed about 150 cases since the war began. The IDF did not provide a transparent account of the status of the 300 investigations BBC Verify had identified, despite repeated requests.

Reviews and accountability questioned

The IDF said some cases are handled through command-level operational reviews, meant to reconstruct events, identify shortcomings and draw lessons. It also said disciplinary measures had been taken in dozens of cases, including removing soldiers from combat roles or reserve service.

Dan Owen, who researches military investigations for Yesh Din, said he believed the IDF often sought to prolong the process until public attention faded. He also noted that gathering evidence in hostile territory can be difficult, with forces operating on the ground.