An IDF investigation into the October 7 events at Kerem Shalom Kibbutz, published 600 days after the disaster, revealed that despite the kibbutz's proximity to the border and the large number of terrorists who attacked it, a greater tragedy was prevented thanks to the rapid response unit and a Nahal reconnaissance force that was in the kibbutz before the attack. The force was present at the kibbutz due to its sensitive location and past demands by the kibbutz's security coordinator for a permanent military presence. According to the investigation, about 100 terrorists attacked the kibbutz, home to approximately 180 residents, in several waves. The fighting in the settlement and its sector resulted in the deaths of six security personnel, while nine fighters and one civilian were wounded.