In a significant shakeup, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and Southern Command head Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman announced their resignations on Tuesday. Both cited their roles in the failures that led to the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Halevi, in a letter to Defense Minister Israel Katz, stated he would leave the IDF on March 6, 2025. Finkelman did not specify a departure date. These announcements come 15 months into the war with Hamas and shortly after a ceasefire and hostage release deal took effect.
Halevi, acknowledging his responsibility for the October 7 failures, said he would complete the IDF’s investigations and prepare for future challenges before his departure. He expressed deep regret for the IDF’s inability to protect Israeli citizens that day, vowing to ensure a smooth transition to his successor.
Finkelman, in a handwritten letter, also accepted responsibility for his command’s failure to protect the Western Negev during the attack. He commended the bravery of the IDF’s commanders and soldiers, describing them as a “victory generation.”
The resignations follow those of other top military officials, including Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva and Brig. Gen. Avi Rosenfeld, who also stepped down due to the October 7 events. While other defense officials have taken responsibility, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have largely avoided doing so, focusing on wartime efforts.
The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 251 kidnappings, marking one of the darkest days in Israel’s history. The IDF’s response was initially chaotic, with bases near the border overwhelmed by the attack.
