The resignation of Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has sent shockwaves through the Israeli political landscape. Halevi’s decision, announced on Tuesday, stems directly from the IDF’s perceived failures during the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of over 1,400 Israelis and resulted in dozens of abductions. In a poignant resignation letter, Halevi explicitly acknowledged the military’s shortcomings, stating that the IDF, under his command, failed in its primary mission to protect Israeli citizens. This admission of responsibility, while lauded by some as a display of integrity, has intensified the political firestorm surrounding the government’s handling of the crisis and fueled calls for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resignation. Halevi’s departure, scheduled for March 2025, marks a significant turning point in his distinguished four-decade military career.
While accepting responsibility for the October 7 tragedy, Halevi’s letter also highlighted the IDF’s operational successes under his leadership, emphasizing the military’s role in weakening Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s regional influence. He pointed to the IDF’s intense combat operations across multiple theaters, asserting that these achievements have significantly reshaped the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Furthermore, Halevi underlined the ongoing nature of the conflict, stating that the IDF’s objectives remain incomplete. He underscored the continued efforts to dismantle Hamas’s governing capabilities, secure the return of all hostages, and establish robust security conditions allowing displaced residents to return home safely. He explicitly linked his resignation to the recent ceasefire and hostage return agreement, suggesting a deliberate decision to step down once a degree of stability had been achieved.
The political fallout from Halevi’s resignation has been swift and dramatic. Prime Minister Netanyahu, while thanking Halevi for his service, has steadfastly refused to accept any personal responsibility for the October 7 failures. He maintains that accountability will be addressed only after the conclusion of the conflict, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. They have seized upon Halevi’s resignation as further ammunition in their ongoing campaign against Netanyahu’s government. Figures like Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, and Avigdor Lieberman have all publicly called for Netanyahu’s resignation, contrasting his refusal to accept responsibility with Halevi’s decisive action. They argue that Halevi’s acceptance of accountability sets a precedent that Netanyahu and his government should follow.
The calls for a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7 have gained significant momentum following Halevi’s resignation. While the government has yet to approve such a commission, opposition members are pushing for its establishment. Orit Farkash-Hacohen, a Knesset member, has announced her intention to introduce a bill specifically for this purpose. This move reflects the growing public demand for a thorough and independent investigation into the security failures that allowed the Hamas attack to occur. The families of the victims have also added their voices to this demand, emphasizing their unwavering pursuit of accountability and the prevention of future tragedies. This pressure from multiple fronts puts the government in an increasingly difficult position, forcing them to address the growing public distrust.
The confluence of Halevi’s resignation, the ongoing political turmoil, and the persistent calls for a state inquiry have created a highly volatile situation for the Netanyahu government. Recent opinion polls indicate historically low public approval ratings, further exacerbating the pressure on the Prime Minister. The search for Halevi’s successor has already begun, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama. Potential candidates include prominent figures such as Eyal Zamir, the current director-general of the Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin, Chief of the Northern Command, and the current deputy chief of staff, Amir Baram, who reportedly urged Halevi to resign weeks prior. The selection of the next IDF chief of staff will be a crucial decision, carrying significant implications for the future direction of the military and the government’s overall security strategy.
In conclusion, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi’s resignation has ignited a political firestorm in Israel, exposing deep divisions and raising fundamental questions about accountability and leadership within the government and the military. His decision to take responsibility for the IDF’s failures during the October 7 Hamas attack stands in stark contrast to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to do the same. This disparity has fueled calls for Netanyahu’s resignation, intensified demands for a state commission of inquiry, and further eroded public trust in the government. The search for Halevi’s successor, against the backdrop of ongoing political instability and security concerns, marks a critical juncture for Israel, with far-reaching consequences for the nation’s future.
