Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has officially tendered his resignation, effective March 6, in a letter he sent to Defence Minister Israel Katz. Halevi reportedly based his resignation on the fact that the IDF had failed to prevent the Hamas attack on October 7, which killed thousands, terming the incident a horrific failure by the military to keep citizens of Israel safe.
In his letter, Halevi expressed deep responsibility for the events of that day. “Under my command, the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israel’s citizens,” he wrote. “The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price in lives lost, in hostages taken, and in those wounded both physically and emotionally.” He acknowledged that despite the bravery of security forces, soldiers, commanders, and civilians, the disaster could not be averted.
Halevi explained that his resignation had been planned long in advance but was held back until the IDF had won the battle and negotiations for the release of hostages were in place. “With another hostage return agreement progressing, the time has come,” he said.
He is to conclude his investigation into the October 7 attack and strengthen the preparedness of the IDF in case of similar attacks in the future. Halevi ensured a seamless handover to his successor.
On the 7th of October, the massacre led by Hamas began with a big-scale invasion on southern Israel killing 1,200 people mainly consisting of non-combatants and taking up to 250 hostages. According to the Gaza health ministry, this retaliation has resulted in the killing of more than 46,000 Palestinians mainly noncombatants.
Halevi’s resignation marks a significant moment in Israel’s military leadership amid ongoing conflict and efforts to secure peace and stability in the region.
