Israel's Top General Resigns Over Security Failures in October 7 Attack
Herzi Halevi steps down as Israel’s most senior figure to resign over the Hamas-led assault
Israel’s top military official, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has resigned, citing “terrible” security and intelligence failures in relation to the devastating October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.
Halevi’s resignation marks the highest-level departure linked to the attack, which saw thousands of Hamas fighters storm from Gaza to assault military bases, kibbutzim, and a music festival. The attack, which left at least 1,139 people dead, primarily civilians, also resulted in the abduction of around 250 individuals. More than 90 hostages remain captive, with Israel fearing that many may already be dead.
Halevi was responsible for overseeing Israel’s response to the assault, which escalated into a massive military operation in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 47,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, and caused widespread destruction in Gaza, particularly to its civilian infrastructure. Israel’s stringent restrictions on humanitarian aid have also led to growing concerns of a humanitarian disaster.
In his resignation letter, Halevi acknowledged the military’s failure to defend Israel during the initial attack but highlighted the “significant achievements” made in the subsequent war effort. “My responsibility for the terrible failure accompanies me every day, hour by hour, and will do so for the rest of my life,” he wrote to Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Despite his resignation, Halevi noted that Israel’s military goals had not all been realized. “The army will continue to dismantle Hamas, ensure the return of hostages, and enable displaced Israelis to return home,” he said.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid commended Halevi for taking responsibility and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down. “Now, it is time for them to take responsibility and resign—the prime minister and his entire catastrophic government,” Lapid said.
Following Halevi’s resignation, Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of Israel’s Southern Command, also announced his departure. The resignations have sparked growing calls for a public inquiry into the October 7 attack, with Netanyahu indicating that such an investigation would only take place once the war concludes.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right figure in Netanyahu’s government, acknowledged Halevi’s contributions but also held him responsible for the security failures leading to the attack. Smotrich criticized Halevi for not eliminating Hamas's civilian and governmental infrastructure earlier in the conflict, while also expressing gratitude for the military's achievements during the war.
Halevi’s resignation comes shortly after a long-awaited ceasefire agreement was implemented, pausing the 15-month war in Gaza and facilitating the exchange of hostages. The ceasefire’s first phase will last six weeks and includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Smotrich expressed his belief that the military’s senior leadership would be replaced as part of preparations for a renewed war effort, which he indicated would shift focus to the West Bank.