Israeli Army Chief Herzi Halevi Resigns, Takes Responsibility For IDF's Failure During October 7 Attacks
Several senior Israeli military officers who have resigned over the failures of the October 7 attacks. The head of the military's Southern Command Major-General Yaron Finkelman has also resigned.
Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi on Tuesday said he would resign on March 6, taking responsibility for the massive security lapse on Oct 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel.
Halevi said he would complete the Israel Defence Forces' inquiries into the October 7 attacks and strengthen the IDF's readiness for security challenges.
"I informed the Minister of Defense today (Tuesday) that by virtue of my recognition of my responsibility for the IDF's failure on October 7th, and at a time when the IDF has significant achievements and is in the process of implementing the agreement to release our hostages, I have requested to leave my role on March 6th, 2025," a statement by the Herzi Halevi and shared by the Israel Defence Forces stated.
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳, 𝗟𝗧𝗚 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝘇𝗶 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗶:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 21, 2025
“I informed the Minister of Defense today (Tuesday) that by virtue of my recognition of my responsibility for the IDF's failure on October 7th, and at a time when the…
"Until then, I will complete the IDF’s inquiries into the events of October 7th and strengthen the IDF's readiness for security challenges. I will transfer command of the IDF in a high-quality and thorough manner to my successor. I have sent a letter to the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister on the matter," the statement added.
It is not yet known who would replace Halevi as the head of the Israeli army. Netanyahu has accepted Halevi's resignation.
The resignation follows a series of senior military officers who have already quit over the failures of the October 7 attacks. Israeli head of the military's Southern Command Major-General Yaron Finkelman has also announced his resignation.
The development comes days after Israel and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire agreement, putting a halt to the fighting going on for 15 months. So far, three hostages have been released in the first stage among a planned 33 in the next six weeks. Around 94 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, though some have been believed to be dead in captivity.
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