IDF Chief Resigns, Blaming October 7 Hamas Attack Failures “`

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi announced his resignation on Tuesday, accepting responsibility for the military’s shortcomings during the October 7th Hamas attacks.

His departure, scheduled for March 2025, concludes a distinguished four-decade military career and has sparked political unrest, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opponents demanding his resignation as well.

“On the morning of October 7th, the IDF under my command failed in its duty to protect. This failure weighs heavily on me daily and will for the rest of my life,” Halevi wrote in his resignation letter, acknowledging the IDF’s failure during the unprecedented Hamas assault that resulted in over 1,400 Israeli deaths and numerous abductions.

Despite the October 7th tragedy, Halevi highlighted the IDF’s accomplishments under his leadership, including operations that weakened Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s regional influence. “The IDF managed to rise from a very challenging starting point to conduct intense combat over more than a year and three months across seven theaters of operation,” he stated. “The military achievements of the IDF have transformed the Middle East.”

Halevi stated, “The war’s objectives haven’t been fully achieved. The IDF will continue fighting to dismantle Hamas’s governing capabilities, secure the return of all hostages, and strengthen security conditions to ensure the safe return of residents to their homes.” He emphasized that his resignation followed the ceasefire and a new

Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Halevi for his service in a statement from his office: “The Prime Minister thanked the Chief of Staff for his many years of service and leadership during the War of Revival across seven fronts, which brought significant achievements to the State of Israel.” Defense Minister Israel Katz also praised Halevi’s contributions, noting, “He will continue to fulfill his duties and oversee an orderly transition process until the end of his tenure.”

Halevi’s resignation represents the most significant departure from Israel’s security establishment following the October 7th events. Netanyahu has refused to accept responsibility for these failures, repeatedly asserting that only after the war.

 

Opposition leaders used Halevi’s resignation to intensify their criticism of Netanyahu. Opposition leader Yair Lapid declared, “I commend Lieutenant General Halevi for his integrity. Now it’s time for the Prime Minister and his disastrous government to take responsibility and resign.” Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz agreed, calling Halevi’s decision ethical and commendable. “The government must follow his example and establish a state commission of inquiry to restore public trust,” he added. Avigdor Lieberman also urged Netanyahu and his cabinet to step down.

To date, the Israeli government hasn’t approved a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th events. Knesset member Orit Farkash-Hacohen announced she will introduce a bill on Wednesday to establish such a commission, following the IDF chief of staff’s resignation.

Families of October 7th victims demanded accountability from both the military and government, calling for a state inquiry. “We will not rest until a commission is established to prevent future disasters,” they said in a statement.

Halevi’s resignation further pressures Netanyahu, whose government’s approval ratings are historically low, according to recent polls. 

Speculation about Halevi’s successor has begun, with leading candidates including Eyal Zamir, the current director-general of the Ministry of Defense who previously served as deputy chief of staff under former Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. Other potential candidates include Northern Command Chief Major General Uri Gordin and the current deputy chief of staff, Amir Baram, who reportedly urged Halevi to resign several weeks ago.