In the statement, Mr. Halevi said he had informed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz of his decision to resign. The Times of Israel reported.
Mr. Halevi said that he will leave the army on March 6, “due to the awareness of responsibility related to the IDF failure on October 7, 2023”. He added that at present, the IDF has achieved significant achievements in hostilities. The IDF commander mentioned that the Israeli army is also in the process of implementing a hostage exchange agreement with the Hamas movement in Gaza.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi
On October 7, 2023, Hamas forces launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people in Israel and 251 people being taken hostage. Israel then responded with a military campaign in Gaza to defeat Hamas. The fighting lasted for 15 months, until the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement and released hostages, effective from January 19.
Until he officially leaves office, Mr. Halevi will complete investigations and prepare the IDF for future challenges.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Mr. Halevi on January 21 after announcing his resignation. Mr. Netanyahu thanked the IDF chief of staff for spending many years serving and commanding the Israeli army through 15 months of hostilities.
Mr. Halevi assumed the position of IDF chief of staff from January 2023.
After the news of Mr. Halevi’s resignation, commander of the IDF’s southern command Yaron Finkelman also made a similar announcement, saying that he would resign due to his responsibility in the IDF’s failure that led to the Hamas attack on Israel.
In another development, Hamas forces confirmed on January 21 that four Israeli hostages would be released on January 25 as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, in exchange for the Palestinian hostages being released by Israel.
