IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi Announces Resignation

On January 16, 2025, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi confirmed his resignation from the position, effective March 6. Halevi’s decision to step down comes after two years and two months in office, notably cutting his term short by 10 months from the standard three years. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, Halevi reiterated his commitment to taking responsibility for the October 7, 2023, intelligence failure that led to the terrorist attacks by Hamas. This decision follows his earlier pledge to step down if the investigation into the incident pointed to shortcomings within the military leadership.

Despite the devastating October 7 attack, Halevi pointed to a series of military achievements under his leadership. He highlighted the successful operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Assad regime in Syria, and Iran, in addition to the IDF’s efforts that led to the defeat of Hamas’s 24 battalions. He also celebrated the IDF’s role in facilitating the ongoing hostage exchange deal.

During his tenure, the IDF successfully curbed terrorism in the West Bank, allowing the military to focus on its more critical operations against Hamas and Hezbollah. However, Halevi acknowledged that the country's war aims, such as the elimination of Hamas’s political control of Gaza and the return of 94 remaining hostages, were still unresolved.

Calls for Accountability and Inquiry

In a speech following the resignation announcement, Halevi called for a state commission of inquiry to investigate national security issues beyond the IDF's authority. He also suggested that further probes into the wider failure, including potential government involvement, should be considered. Despite the setbacks, Halevi expressed his commitment to overseeing the IDF’s final report on the October 7 events and managing the transition to a permanent ceasefire.

His resignation has sparked mixed reactions within Israeli politics, with former IDF leaders, including Benny Gantz, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to take responsibility for his role in the events that led to the October 7 attack. Critics of Netanyahu argue that his actions may have contributed to the situation, while Netanyahu has resisted calls for his resignation.

Succession Plans and the Future of the IDF

Lt.-Gen. Halevi’s departure has also left a leadership vacuum within the IDF. A few high-ranking candidates are already being considered for his position, with Eyal Zamir, the Defense Ministry’s director-general, emerging as a frontrunner. Other potential candidates include Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram and Northern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Uri Gordon.

Defense Minister Katz has wasted no time in beginning the selection process for the next IDF chief, likely aiming to announce the new appointment in the coming week. This rapid process, far quicker than the typical months-long procedure, underscores the urgency of stabilizing the IDF’s leadership during these challenging times.

Meanwhile, the October 7 Family Council, which represents those who lost loved ones in the attacks, voiced support for Halevi’s resignation but insisted that more needed to be done. They are calling for a full state commission of inquiry into the failures of that day, ensuring accountability and providing answers to prevent future disasters.

Yonatan Shamriz, whose brother Alon Shamriz was taken hostage, emphasized that while Halevi’s resignation was appreciated, it is not enough. He demanded that the entire senior military, political, and security echelon follow Halevi’s lead and take responsibility for the events.

Indeed, Halevi’s resignation is part of a broader wave of accountability sweeping through Israel’s military leadership. Maj.-Gen. Yaron Finkelman, the commander of the Southern Command, has also stepped down, and further resignations are expected. Sources suggest that high-ranking figures, including Air Force commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar and Navy commander V.-Adm. David Sa’ar Salama, may follow suit due to their roles in the systemic failures of October 7.

The Air Force’s investigation has indicated that while it met all required readiness levels, it was unprepared for the simultaneous incursions by Hamas. Similarly, the Navy is facing scrutiny for its failure to prevent Hamas’s penetration of Israel's naval defenses, which allowed enemy ships to reach the coast.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed their gratitude to Halevi for his service, acknowledging his leadership during the war. President Isaac Herzog also voiced his support for a state commission of inquiry, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability.

However, opposition figures, including Yair Lapid and Avigdor Liberman, were less diplomatic, calling for Netanyahu and his government to take responsibility for their roles in the October 7 failures. Lapid urged the resignation of the entire government, while Liberman pushed for broader accountability within the political and military ranks.

In contrast, Itamar Ben-Gvir, the former National Security Minister, downplayed the significance of Halevi’s resignation, claiming it was expected regardless of the war’s outcome. He called for the appointment of a more aggressive and strong chief of staff to continue the fight against Hamas.

In any event, the resignation wave appears to be part of a broader effort to rebuild public trust and ensure that Israel’s security services are adequately prepared for future threats. The government is under intense pressure to address the failures of October 7, and the resignation of key figures in the IDF is just the beginning of what many see as necessary reforms.