ALBAWABA- Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has announced his resignation, effective March 6, citing the army's failure to fulfill its mission on October 7, 2023.
In his resignation letter, Halevi admitted, “I bear responsibility for the army's failure on October 7, 2023. This failure, and its consequences, accompany me day by day and hour by hour.”
He acknowledged the heavy losses endured, noting, “The war left wounds and scars on many of our soldiers and their families.”
While Halevi highlighted the army's accomplishments on seven fronts during the war, his resignation came in the wake of public and political criticism.
The far-right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, who recently resigned in opposition to the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, dismissed the resignation as “expected, regardless of the war's course.”
Ben Gvir also revealed he rejected an offer to credit him for Halevi’s resignation in exchange for supporting the controversial ceasefire.
Southern Command Commander Yaron Finkelman resigned, adding to the growing turbulence within Israeli leadership.
Channel 13 Israel has reported a wave of resignations within the Israeli military leadership. Among them, Yaron Finkelman, the commander of the Southern Command, submitted his resignation, acknowledging his role in the failures of October 7.
In his resignation letter, Finkelman admitted, “I failed on October 7 to protect the western Negev. This failure is engraved in my life forever.”
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz commented on the resignations, stating, “The Chief of Staff is militarily responsible for the October 7 disaster, but he is also responsible for the significant recovery and achievements of the Israeli army in the aftermath.”
These resignations come just two days after the ceasefire and prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel, reflecting a deep rift among Israeli officials.
The tension was further fueled by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who reportedly threatened Halevi with removal through the cabinet if he did not step down voluntarily.
Smotrich has been pushing for the resumption of war in Gaza following the ceasefire's first phase, citing assurances from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to escalate military action.
