IDF Chief of Staff resigns over October 7 security failure

IDF Chief of Staff resigns over October 7 security failure
Herzi Halevi with the General Staff of the IDF after the October 2024 Israeli strikes on Iran. / IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer
By Mathew Cohen in Tel Aviv January 22, 2025

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi announced his resignation effective March 6, 2025, citing responsibility for the military's failure to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack. The announcement triggered an immediate cascade of changes in Israel's military leadership.

“On the morning of October 7, under my command, the IDF failed in its mission to protect the citizens of Israel,” Halevi wrote in his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. “The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price in lives lost, in those taken hostage, in the wounded – both physically and mentally.”

The resignation comes after Defence Minister Katz set a January 30 deadline for Halevi to complete an internal military investigation into the failure to prevent the October 7 attack. Within minutes of Halevi's announcement, Southern Command chief Major General Yaron Finkelman also submitted his resignation without specifying a departure date.

Defence Ministry director-general Eyal Zamir has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Halevi, according to Israeli media reports. Zamir, a former deputy IDF chief who was Netanyahu's preferred choice during the last selection process, could face competition from outgoing Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Major General Amir Baram and Northern Command chief Major General Uri Gordon for the position.

Katz has indicated he will expedite the selection process, potentially announcing a new chief of staff as early as next week, significantly faster than the traditional multi-month vetting period. The accelerated timeline suggests Zamir may secure the appointment, given his previous consideration for the role.

The rapid leadership transition comes as the military reevaluates its war strategy amid the ceasefire agreement with Gaza. While military exchanges across the Gaza border remain on hiatus, clashes within the West Bank persist, with Israeli forces launching a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in Jenin on January 21 amid an unusual withdrawal by the Palestinian Authority.

The government’s focus on stabilising the domestic debt market comes amid growing challenges in managing public debt and financing needs, with treasury bills playing a critical role in bridging the financing gap.

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