IDF Chief of Staff on October 7th inquiries: 'The responsibility Is mine'

In his speech, Halevi took full responsibility for the failures that occurred during the attack, emphasizing the importance of confronting mistakes head-on in order to learn and improve.

Halevi began by reflecting on the IDF’s approach to past crises, particularly the Yom Kippur War, noting that while previous commanders decided not to conduct an inquiry after the war, fearing it might be too difficult, the delay in addressing those failures ultimately led to long-term consequences. He asserted that facing failures and conducting honest inquiries is essential for both learning and mental well-being.

He admitted the difficulty of acknowledging mistakes, saying, "It is not easy for a commander to say, ‘I failed.’” Halevi emphasized the importance of confronting failure, not from a place of weakness, but as a source of strength. He assured commanders that this approach would ultimately make the IDF stronger and more resilient moving forward. “Since October 7th, 2023—I make sure, every single day, multiple times a day, to look failure in the eye,” Halevi said.

The Chief of Staff also highlighted the guiding principles for the inquiries, which he outlined in a letter to commanders at the start of the process. These principles include truth, transparency, practicality, responsibility, and camaraderie. Halevi emphasized that truth must come first in the inquiry process because, without it, the learning process would be flawed. While camaraderie is important, he stated that it should never come at the expense of truth.

Halevi also recognized the bravery and professionalism of IDF soldiers and officers during the events of October 7th. He pointed to those who fought valiantly, including those who continued to report and make critical decisions even after being wounded, as examples of the IDF’s commitment to leading from the front.

Closing his address, Halevi acknowledged his personal responsibility for the failures of October 7th, stating, "My responsibility is mine. I was the commander of the military on October 7th, and I have my own responsibility." He urged all officers and soldiers in the IDF to view the situation as their collective responsibility, saying that each person should act as if they were the commander on that day to ensure improvement for the future.

As the IDF moves forward in the wake of the October 7th attack, Halevi’s commitment to learning from the past and confronting failures openly remains at the forefront of his leadership.