In a harrowing account of the tragic events that unfolded in Kibbutz Nahal Oz during the unprecedented Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, an IDF investigation has revealed heartbreaking details about the deaths of Dikla Arava, 51, and her 17-year-old son, Tomer Arava Eliaz. Shockingly, the investigation concludes that both were likely killed by misdirected Israeli fire during a desperate and chaotic battle against waves of Hamas terrorists. While unsettling, the fact that the IDF continued to investigate and made their findings public show that Israel is committed to transparency, even if the result is criticism of the Jewish State.
The probe, led by Col. (res.) Yaron Sitbon as part of a larger inquiry into the battle at Nahal Oz, was shared with the grieving family on the evening of January 9, 2025. It is based on extensive testimonies from soldiers, officers, and civilians, painstakingly pieced together to provide clarity in the face of tragedy.
Some upsetting news.
— Eli Kowaz - איליי קואז (@elikowaz) January 10, 2025
An IDF investigation into the deaths of Dikla Arava, 51, and her son Tomer, 17, during Hamas's October 7 attack in Nahal Oz has concluded they were likely killed by Israeli fire.
But make no mistake, the responsibility lies solely on evil Hamas terrorists. pic.twitter.com/ZEEX9SnjZ4
A Morning of Terror
The nightmare began early on October 7, when heavily armed Hamas terrorists stormed the Arava-Elyakim home. Gunfire erupted as they targeted the family’s bomb-safe room, injuring 46-year-old Noam Elyakim. The terrorists seized Dikla’s phone, broadcasting their heinous acts live on Facebook. In the shocking footage, young Tomer was seen under duress, walking through the kibbutz and imploring neighbors to emerge from their homes, likely under threats from the terrorists. Many of those who were rused from their homes were shot sight unseen on the video.
This chilling act of psychological warfare was compounded by the terrorists’ brazen infiltration and relentless violence. Yet Tomer exhibited remarkable courage amidst the chaos. After approximately 90 minutes, he managed to escape his captors and sought refuge within the kibbutz. However, his flight to safety ended tragically.
An IDF investigation into the deaths of Dikla Arava, 51, and her son Tomer Arava Eliaz, 17, in Kibbutz Nahal Oz during Hamas's October 7, 2023, onslaught, has found that the pair were likely killed by Israeli fire.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) January 10, 2025
The probe, carried out by Col. (res.) Yaron Sitbon -- who is… pic.twitter.com/ql4q9EWIaU
A Fatal Misidentification
IDF troops, locked in a ferocious six-hour battle against Hamas militants within Nahal Oz, identified a figure moving through the area. Believing him to be a terrorist, the soldiers opened fire. According to the investigation’s findings, this “suspicious figure” was likely Tomer Arava Eliaz. The IDF concluded that Tomer’s death was a devastating result of misidentification, a tragic mistake made in the midst of intense combat.
The IDF’s statement described Tomer as having “acted bravely until the moment he was shot,” underscoring the profound courage he demonstrated during his final hours.
A Mother’s Fate
While Tomer’s life ended in the heart of the kibbutz, Dikla’s tragic story unfolded elsewhere. As the terrorists abducted Noam Elyakim, his two daughters Dafna and Ela, and Dikla, they attempted to flee toward Gaza in a vehicle. In the chaos of battle, Israeli forces identified the fleeing vehicle as belonging to terrorists and opened fire.
The investigation found that Dikla was killed during this firefight, another heartrending casualty in a day marked by unfathomable loss. Her body was later found abandoned in the kibbutz when the terrorists hastily fled the vehicle.
This is the Arava family from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Terrorists broke in, shot the father in his leg, and livestreamed it all on Dikla’s (the mother) Facebook.
— Yael Bar tur 🎗️ (@yaelbt) October 17, 2023
They then took 17-year-old Tomer from house to house at gun point, forced him to tell people to open the door in Hebrew, and… pic.twitter.com/6Mk5QSPUs1
A Family Torn Apart
The aftermath of October 7 revealed even more sorrow. Noam Elyakim was killed during the attack, though the circumstances of his death remain unclear. His body was recovered only 10 days later, deepening the anguish of his loved ones. Meanwhile, Dafna and Ela endured 51 harrowing days in captivity within Gaza before their release on November 26 as part of a truce deal.
The IDF’s Acknowledgment
The IDF has publicly admitted its failures on October 7, acknowledging the missteps that contributed to this tragedy. However, the military also emphasized the bravery and determination of security forces, reservists, local security officers, and civilians who stood their ground against the terrorist onslaught.
The heart is broken! 💔
— Israel Kicks A** (@Israelkicksass) October 16, 2023
The hard news has arrived: the mother & son from the live #Hamas broadcast from the Jewish communities were murdered.
Today, their bodies were found.
Tomer & Dikla Arava, May they rest in peace.
Share in their memory!🕯 pic.twitter.com/B6mDJlIS0b
“We failed in several aspects that day,” the IDF’s statement reads. “At the same time, we must honor the courage and resilience displayed by our forces and civilians during this unprecedented attack.”
A Day That Will Never Be Forgotten
The deaths of Dikla Arava and Tomer Arava Eliaz stand as haunting reminders of the human cost of war. Their courage and resilience in the face of terror have left an indelible mark on their community and the nation. As the investigation continues, their story highlights the immense challenges faced by Israel’s defense forces during one of the darkest days in the nation’s history.
