Israel's army chief, Herzi Halevi, announced on Tuesday that he will resign on March 6, taking full responsibility for the security failure on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian Hamas gunmen from Gaza carried out a devastating cross-border attack.
Halevi, whose resignation had been widely anticipated following the deadliest day in Israel's history, stated that he would first conclude the Israel Defence Forces' (IDF) inquiries into the attack and ensure the army's preparedness for future security challenges. The name of his successor has not yet been announced.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has faced significant public backlash for the October 7 breach, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of around 250 hostages. However, the government has resisted calls for a state inquiry into its own role in the security lapse.
In his resignation letter to Defence Minister Israel Katz, Halevi expressed deep regret, acknowledging the IDF's failure to protect Israeli citizens. He stated that the tragedy, which claimed many lives and left others injured or taken hostage, will haunt him for the rest of his life.
The October 7 attack has already led to the resignation of several senior military officials, including Major-General Yaron Finkelman, head of the military's Southern Command.
The announcement comes as Israel enters the first phase of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, following 15 months of war in Gaza. Three hostages have been released so far, with 33 more expected over the next six weeks. An estimated 94 hostages remain in Gaza, though their current status is uncertain.
