Israel’s army chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, has announced his resignation, effective 6 March, citing the military’s failure to prevent the deadly Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023.
Halevi, who served for two years and two months, informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz of his decision to step down 10 months earlier than the usual three-year term.
The announcement was followed by the resignation of Southern Command Chief Yaron Finkelman, who oversaw Gaza operations.
Finkelman stated in his resignation letter, “On October 7, 2023, I failed to defend the western Negev, and this failure will remain engraved in my mind for the rest of my life.”
The resignations come as Israel observes a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in Gaza, which began on January 19, halting what has been described as a genocidal military campaign.
Opposition leaders have seized on the military resignations to call for Netanyahu’s government to step down.
Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, said on X, “Respect to Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and now the Prime Minister and his entire disastrous government must take responsibility and resign.”
Former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman echoed these sentiments, holding Netanyahu accountable for the failures of the October attacks, which many critics have described as a massive security lapse.
Netanyahu has consistently rejected calls for early elections and refused to acknowledge personal responsibility for the attacks.
Meanwhile, the fallout continues, with other officials, including Army Intelligence Directorate head Aharon Haliva, having resigned over the events of 7 October.
The aftermath of the conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with nearly 47,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, killed and over 110,700 injured.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Israel also faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice.
