Israel’s military chief of staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has announced plans to step down in March 2025, citing the failure to prevent Hamas’ October 7 attack.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, Halevi wrote, “As a result of my responsibility for the IDF’s failure on October 7, and at a time when the military has recorded exceptional achievements in restoring Israel’s deterrence and strength, I wish to conclude my tenure on March 6, 2025.”
Defense Minister Katz had earlier set a January 30 deadline for Halevi to complete internal military investigations into the attack. Halevi’s resignation is the most prominent departure so far among officials tied to the security failures of October 7. While Netanyahu has refused to accept responsibility, stating accountability will follow the war, his office acknowledged Halevi’s service and thanked him during a Tuesday conversation.
The resignation follows a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, with talks for a permanent resolution scheduled to begin on February 4.
Separately, Major General Yaron Finkelman, Commander of Israel’s Southern Command, also tendered his resignation, acknowledging his failure to protect the western Negev and its residents during the attack.
