Israel’s Chief of Staff Resigns Over ‘Severe’ October 7 Security Failures
Herzi Halevi Becomes Highest-Ranking Israeli Official to Step Down Following Hamas Attack
Israel’s highest-ranking military officer has resigned, citing “severe” security and intelligence failures related to the deadly Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is the most senior Israeli figure to step down in response to the unprecedented breach, during which thousands of Hamas-led fighters launched an assault from Gaza, targeting military bases, kibbutzim, and a music festival in southern Israel.
According to Israeli reports compiled by Al Jazeera, at least 1,139 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the attack, and approximately 250 were taken hostage. Over 90 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, with Israel believing about a third of them to be deceased.
Halevi oversaw Israel’s military response to the attack—a devastating offensive in Gaza that, according to Palestinian health authorities, has claimed over 47,000 lives and severely damaged the territory’s infrastructure. Israeli-imposed restrictions on humanitarian aid have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In his resignation letter addressed to Defense Minister Israel Katz, Halevi took responsibility for the military’s failure to prevent the October 7 attack but also highlighted what he described as Israel’s “significant achievements” in the ensuing war.
“My responsibility for the severe failure follows me every day, every hour, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life,” Halevi wrote. He acknowledged that while some military objectives had been met, others remained unfulfilled.
“The goals of the war have not all been accomplished. The IDF will continue to fight to dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, secure the return of the hostages, and facilitate the safe return of displaced Israelis,” he stated.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid praised Halevi’s decision and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to follow his example.
“Now it is time for the prime minister and his entire catastrophic government to take responsibility and resign,” Lapid said.
Following Halevi’s resignation, Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of Israel’s Southern Command overseeing Gaza operations, also announced his resignation.
The departures of these senior military figures are expected to increase pressure for a public inquiry into the security failures of October 7. However, Netanyahu has stated that any investigation will be postponed until after the war ends, as his leadership could come under scrutiny.
Far-Right Criticism
Despite Defense Minister Katz expressing gratitude for Halevi’s service and confirming he would remain in his position until a successor is appointed, the resignation has drawn criticism from Israel’s far-right leaders.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hardliner in Netanyahu’s coalition, acknowledged Halevi’s contributions to Israel’s military efforts but also held him accountable for the October 7 security lapse.
“My criticism of his failure in eliminating Hamas’s governmental and civilian capabilities, as well as his responsibility for the October 7 disaster, does not diminish the gratitude owed to him for his years of service,” Smotrich said. He also voiced opposition to the ceasefire and hostage release deal that Halevi helped facilitate.
Halevi’s resignation comes shortly after a ceasefire agreement took effect, pausing the 15-month-long war in Gaza. As part of the first phase of a multi-stage deal, 33 hostages have been released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Three hostages and 90 prisoners were freed on Sunday.
Smotrich indicated that Halevi’s departure signals a broader shift in military leadership, as preparations continue for the potential resumption of hostilities, including possible operations in the West Bank.
“The coming period will be marked by changes in senior military leadership as we prepare for the next phase of the war—this time in the West Bank—until complete victory,” Smotrich stated.