Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi announced his resignation on Tuesday, taking responsibility for the security lapses during Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023, assault. The attack, considered the deadliest in Israel’s history, resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages taken by Hamas gunmen.
Admission of Failure
Halevi acknowledged the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) failed to protect its citizens during the attack. In his resignation letter to Defense Minister Israel Katz, he said the loss of life on that day would weigh on him for life. Despite the criticism, he committed to completing the IDF’s internal investigation into the attack before his departure on March 6, 2025.
Mounting Criticism and Calls for Accountability
Halevi’s resignation comes amid growing calls for accountability from the Israeli public and political opposition. While Halevi has promised a transparent inquiry into the IDF’s shortcomings, he noted the investigation would not address broader systemic issues. Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to take responsibility and called for his resignation.
Government’s Response
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Halevi’s service during the war but stopped short of admitting responsibility for the October 7 security lapse. He suggested a broader independent inquiry should wait until the conflict in Gaza ends. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s government, already under fire for its response to the crisis, has failed to address systemic issues leading to the attack.
Mixed Legacy of Halevi’s Leadership
Halevi faced criticism for not taking an aggressive approach in Gaza, particularly from hardliners in Netanyahu’s government. However, he earned praise for leading the IDF’s efforts to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure. In his televised address, Halevi stated that most of Hamas’s leadership and military commanders had been neutralized. He emphasized that the IDF had restored its military capabilities despite the setbacks.
Ongoing Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Negotiations
Halevi remains responsible for overseeing the IDF’s compliance with the ongoing three-phase ceasefire deal with Hamas. The agreement includes the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and aid distribution in Gaza. The deal’s first phase, involving the release of 33 hostages, began last week, but concerns remain about its durability.
Broader Implications for Israel
Halevi’s resignation marks a turning point as Israel grapples with the aftermath of the October 7 attack and its broader security policies. While his leadership during the crisis received mixed reviews, his decision to resign has reignited debates about political and military accountability.
As Israel searches for Halevi’s successor, pressure mounts on the government to address the failures that allowed Hamas’s attack. For now, the October 7 assault continues to cast a shadow over Israel’s leadership and its future strategy in Gaza.
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