On Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi informed Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu of his resignation, effective in two months. In a televised address, he cited intelligence and security failures that led to Oct. 7th.
Israel National News
On Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi informed Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu of his resignation, effective two months from now.
“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. 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,” Halevi wrote.
Halevi wrote to the Defense Minister: “I knew very well that upon assuming command of the IDF, I was entrusted with the great responsibility of ensuring that the IDF would be prepared to stand the supreme test of war, would know how to deter its enemies and, where a threat had not been thwarted in advance, would know how to separate the enemy from civilians.”
“On the morning of October 7, the IDF under my command failed in its mission to protect the citizens of Israel. The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price – in human lives, in kidnappings and in physical and mental harm. The bold acts of heroism on the part of many – members of the security forces, IDF soldiers and commanders, and brave citizens – were not enough to prevent that grave disaster. My responsibility for the terrible failure is with me every day, hour by hour, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life,” he added.
Following Halevi’s announcement, IDF Southern Command commander Major General Yaron Finkelman also informed Defense Minister Katz of his intention to resign
In a televised address to the nation hours later, Halevi accepted responsibility for the failures to prevent the October 7 massacre.
“I have carried the results of that terrible day ever since and will carry them with me for the rest of my life,” he said. “I have responsibility for the failure – and also for the achievements,” said the Chief of Staff. He also clarified that “Nobody hid information, nobody assisted the enemy – these statements harm those who served faithfully.”
Halevi added, “The IDF owes families full transparency.”
On the intelligence failures of October 7, he said, “Those Intelligence and Security personnel who failed and feel this way are the ones who brought the intelligence that made the achievements possible.”
Addressing his resignation, Halevi said, “It is not appropriate for me to complete my term – I informed the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense today of my desire to fulfill my responsibility and end my duties in earnest.”
“I will soon complete 40 years of military service – I made this decision a long time ago, now, when the IDF has the upper hand and the agreement to return the hostages is in place – the time is ripe,” he said, adding: “I am supporting the families of the hostages – I want you to know, we are doing everything possible. I am supporting the bereaved and wounded families and I send my condolences.”
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