In a letter sent today (Tuesday) to the Prime Minister and Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff Hertzi Halevi announced his resignation, which will take effect in just over a month. Minutes later, Southern Command Chief Major General Yaron Finkelman also submitted his handwritten resignation letter to the Chief of Staff. More changes in the IDF's top leadership are expected.
The Chief of Staff's Letter:
"For the past four decades, the mission of defending Israel's security has been my life's mission. From a young soldier and commander to Chief of Staff, I took pride in my association with the IDF. I saw it as an exemplary organization and felt heavy responsibility as one of Israel's defenders and its citizens.
I knew well that upon accepting command of the IDF, I carried the great responsibility of ensuring the IDF would be ready for the supreme test of war, would know how to deter its enemies, and where threats weren't prevented in advance - would know how to stand between the enemy and civilians.
On the morning of October 7th, the IDF under my command failed in its mission to defend Israeli citizens. The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price - in lives, in hostages, and in physical and emotional injuries. The brave acts of many - security forces, IDF soldiers and commanders, and courageous civilians - were not enough to prevent the heavy disaster. My responsibility for this terrible failure accompanies me day by day, hour by hour, and will do so for the rest of my life."
The IDF managed to rise from a very difficult starting point to intense fighting, for more than a year and three months, across seven different combat zones. The IDF's military achievements have changed the Middle East. The IDF has severely damaged Hamas's military wing and created conditions for returning hostages, caused unprecedented damage to the Hezbollah terrorist organization, and significantly weakened Iran and its regional activities.
The IDF protects Golan Heights residents from within the Syrian buffer zone and has succeeded in destroying most of Syria's military capabilities. In the Judea and Samaria sector, the IDF operates day and night in highly effective counter-terrorism missions. These achievements are far beyond any achievement discussed with the political echelon for warfare in each arena, and this significance is even stronger given the connection between the fronts."
These achievements belong first and foremost to IDF commanders and soldiers. My subordinates, IDF fighters in regular service and reserves, from all parts of Israeli society, stood up for this just war, fought with courage and sacrifice, and won every encounter with the enemy. We achieved these victories at a heavy price. We lost some of our best fighters, the bereaved families circle has expanded, and the war has left wounds and scars among many. The IDF will forever be committed to the families and the memory of the fallen."
The war's objectives have not yet been fully achieved. The IDF will continue to fight to further dismantle Hamas and its governing capability, return all hostages, and strengthen the security conditions created for the safe return of residents in the south and north to their homes.
The IDF initiated and implemented an unprecedented process of investigations during wartime, for the purpose of learning and improvement, strengthening combat and defense capabilities, and as part of our commitment to bereaved families, hostages and their families, and the entire public. These are penetrating, truthful, and thorough investigations, which are in their final stages and have already allowed for important lessons to be learned and implemented in the IDF's force operation and building.
Due to my recognition of responsibility for the IDF's failure on October 7th, and at a point where the IDF has recorded exceptional achievements and restored Israel's deterrence and strength, I request to end my role on March 6, 2025. I made this decision long ago. Now, with the IDF having the upper hand in all combat zones and another hostage deal underway, the time has come. In the remaining time, I will complete the investigations and continue to strengthen the IDF's readiness for upcoming challenges. In doing so, I will transfer command of the IDF in a quality and orderly manner to my successor. I will always be a soldier of the State of Israel.
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