Israel’s Military Chief Resigns Over Gaza War Failures

Major General Herzi Halevi Steps Down, Citing Responsibility for Military’s “Failure” in Face of Hamas Attack

Major General Herzi Halevi, the head of Israel’s military, has resigned from his position, citing his responsibility for the military’s “failure” during the Palestinian militant group Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. In his resignation letter, released by the army, Halevi said he was leaving “due to my acknowledgement of responsibility for the (military’s) failure on October 7”.

Acknowledging Shortcomings

Halevi’s resignation comes at a time when the military is facing criticism for its handling of the Gaza war. In his letter, he acknowledged that “not all” of Israel’s war goals had been achieved, and that the army would continue to fight to further dismantle Hamas and its governing capabilities, ensure the return of the hostages, and enable Israelis displaced by militant attacks to return home.

Coordinated Resignation

Major General Yaron Finkelman, the head of Israel’s southern military command, which is responsible for Gaza, also resigned in coordination with Halevi. The pair’s resignation comes days into a ceasefire with Hamas that brought to a halt 15 months of war sparked by the deadliest attack in Israel’s history.

Background to the Attack

On October 7, 2023, thousands of Palestinian fighters stormed into southern Israel from Gaza. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. The militants also took 251 hostages into Gaza, including women, children, and elderly people.

Surprising Breach of Defenses

Despite Israel’s state-of-the-art defenses, including a high-tech border fence complete with sensors and remote-operated machine guns, the militants were able to storm a major military base as well as residential communities across the south and a music festival, where they committed atrocities. It took the military three days to completely clear the militants from Israeli territory.

Conclusion

The resignations of Major General Herzi Halevi and Major General Yaron Finkelman are a significant development in the wake of the Gaza war. While the military has achieved some successes, the attack has highlighted the need for improved defenses and a more effective response to future threats.

FAQs

* What is the reason for Major General Herzi Halevi’s resignation?
He resigned due to his responsibility for the military’s “failure” during the Palestinian militant group Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
* Who else has resigned in coordination with Major General Herzi Halevi?
Major General Yaron Finkelman, the head of Israel’s southern military command, which is responsible for Gaza, has also resigned.
* How many people were killed in the attack?
According to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures, 1,210 people were killed, mostly civilians.
* How many hostages were taken?
The militants took 251 hostages, including women, children, and elderly people.