Israeli Army Chief Herzi Halevi Resigns

(Patria) - The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army (IDF), General Herzi Halevi, resigned today.

He cited his responsibility for security failures since October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out a brutal massacre of 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage from Israel, as the reason for this move.

In his resignation letter, Halevi admitted that the army under his command "failed in its mission to defend the State of Israel".

"Acknowledging my responsibility for the army's failures on October 7, and at a time when the army is recording significant successes on all fronts and a new deal for the release of hostages is underway, I request to be relieved of duty on March 6, 2025," stated Halevi, who has headed the General Staff of the Armed Forces since December 2022.

He also added that for 40 years, his mission to protect the State of Israel had been the mission of his life.

"But early in the morning of October 7, the army under my command failed to defend Israeli citizens. My responsibility for that terrible failure has followed me every day since and will follow me for the rest of my life," Halevi added.

The army also announced the resignation of the Southern Command Military Commander, General Yaron Finkelman. The head of intelligence, General Aaron Haliva, resigned in April 2024.