In a temporary police station in the city of Sderot, Superintendent Micky Rosenfeld, head of international coordination for the Israel Police, briefed a group of European parliamentarians who came to Israel through Elnet, an organization that promotes close relations between Europe and Israel, based on shared democratic values and strategic interests. He spoke about the events of October 7.
Rosenfeld explained that before the “black sabbath,” Sderot had 30,000 residents; now, only 2,000 remain—and those that stayed are primarily on the police force or municipal workers. Those who have left are living with friends or relatives or have been taken to hotels in other areas of the country.
The terrorists were well prepared with intelligence. They came with maps to locate police stations; they knew where and how to disconnect electricity on army bases—right down to knowing which wires to cut. They knew the location of the observation and command center, which they infiltrated and destroyed.
The terrorists had detailed information about the kibbutzim that included the number of people, and names of people, living in specific houses.
Sadly, the Israelis learned that Palestinian neighbors and trusted workers provided much of the detailed information to Hamas. Only now did they realize the extent to which residents of the Arab periphery supported and aided the terrorists.
Supt. Micky Rosenfeld served a decade in the elite counterterrorism unit, YAMAM, specializing in operations and intelligence. Rosenfeld had been responsible for coverage of all major terrorist attacks across Israel, corresponding with foreign media and local press.
Rosenfeld is the liaison of the Israel National Police to foreign delegations, law enforcement agencies, homeland security, and VIPs from around the world. British-born, Rosenfeld served in Israel’s elite Givati infantry brigade.
Read the full interview with Superintendent Rosenfeld below: