IDF Begins Evaluating Acts of Heroism Since October 7 for Medals and Awards

The IDF has initiated a formal process to evaluate acts of heroism by its personnel during battles from October 7, 2023, until the start of the ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip, ahead of awarding commendations and medals. During a conference held on Wednesday, commanders were presented with the framework approved by IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

In the first stage, brigade commanders will submit recommendations for commendations and medals for approval by division commanders, and subsequently by the relevant OC's of the regional commands. Approved recommendations will be forwarded to theater committees, after which a general staff committee will review recommendations for the Chief of Staff's commendation and medals.

The recommendations of the general staff committee will be submitted for the Chief of Staff's final decision. Recommendations for the Medal of Valor will then be transferred for approval by the Minister of Defense.

Alongside the heroic acts of IDF personnel, appropriate cases of exceptional civilian heroism will also be reviewed. These will be forwarded to the advisory committee for the President of Israel, in accordance with the existing mechanism for awarding the President's Medal for Civilian Heroism.