The head of the Israeli army resigned in October. 7 Hamas massacre: ‘it oppresses me every day’
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi announced his resignation on Tuesday, taking responsibility for the military’s failures during the October 7 Hamas terror attacks.
His departure, scheduled for March 2025, marks the end of a decorated military career spanning four decades and has sparked political turmoil, with opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for him to step down.
“On the morning of October 7, the IDF under my command failed in its protection mission citizens of Israel. This failure weighs on me every day and will for the rest of my life,” Halevi wrote in his resignation, referring to the IDF’s failure during an unprecedented attack by Hamas that left more than 1,400 Israelis dead and dozens kidnapped .
Despite the Oct. 7 tragedy, Halevi highlighted the IDF’s achievements 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 fighting for more than a year and three months on seven battlefields,” he said. “The IDF’s Military Achievements Transformed the Middle East.”
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Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi holds an assessment of the situation and talks with reserve commanders at the Lebanese border. (IDF Spokesperson Unit)
Halevi said: “The goals of the war have not yet been fully achieved. The IDF will continue to fight to dismantle Hamas’ governance capabilities, ensure the return of all hostages and strengthen security conditions to ensure the safe return of residents to their homes.” He pointed out that he resigned after the ceasefire and the new one agreement on the return of hostages.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Halevi for his service in a statement from his office: “The Prime Minister thanked the Chief of Staff for his long service and leadership during the War of Reconstruction on 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 term.”
Halevi’s resignation marks the most significant departure from the Israeli security establishment since the events of October 7. Netanyahu refused to take responsibility for these failures, repeating that responsibility will come only after the war.
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Memorials at the site of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, Israel, May 27, 2024. (Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Opposition leaders used Halevi’s resignation to escalate criticism of Netanyahu. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said: “I salute Lieutenant General Halevi for his integrity. Now is the time for the prime minister and his disastrous government to take responsibility and resign.” Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz echoed that, calling Halevi’s decision ethical and commendable. “The government must follow his example and establish a state commission of inquiry to restore public confidence,” he added. Avigdor Lieberman also called on Netanyahu and his cabinet to step down.
To date, the Israeli government has not approved the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. Knesset member Orit Farkash-Hacohen announced that she will submit a bill to establish such a commission on Wednesday, following the resignation of the IDF chief of staff.
The families of the October 7 victims demanded accountability from both the military and the government, calling for a state investigation. “We will not stop until a commission is established to prevent future disasters,” they said in a statement.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held meetings on Mount Hermon with senior defense and security officials on Tuesday. (IDF)
Halevi’s resignation increases pressure on Netanyahu, whose government is facing historically low public approval ratings, according to recent polls.
Speculation about Halevi’s successor has already begun, with leading candidates including Eyal Zamir, the current Defense Ministry director-general who previously served as deputy chief of staff to former chief of staff Aviv Kochavi. Other contenders for the position include the head of the Northern Command, Major General Uri Gordin, and the current deputy chief of staff, Amir Baram, who reportedly asked Halevi to resign a few weeks ago.
