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‘Failed to prevent attack’: Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi resigns over Oct 7 Hamas strikes

Harzi Halevi, Israeli military chief. [Photo: Wikimedia Commons/ IDF website]

Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Israel’s most senior military official, has resigned following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

The attack resulted in over 1,139 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 250 people, with around 90 hostages still held in Gaza.

Halevi acknowledged the military’s failure to defend Israel during the attack but highlighted its subsequent achievements in the war.

Israel’s military response has devastated Gaza, with over 47,000 reported deaths and significant destruction of civilian infrastructure, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. Halevi’s resignation coincided with a ceasefire that enabled the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but he admitted Israel’s war objectives remain unmet.

Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of Israel’s Southern Command, also resigned, increasing calls for a public inquiry into the security failures. Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government to step down as well.

Halevi faced criticism from far-right figures, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who blamed him for the October 7 failures but acknowledged his contributions to Israel’s military successes.

Smotrich opposed the ceasefire and called for intensified military efforts in the West Bank. Halevi will continue his duties until a successor is appointed.

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