IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced today he will resign on March 6, 2025, accepting responsibility for military failures during Hamas's devastating October 7 attack on Israel. The announcement comes as Israeli forces report major battlefield gains and amid ongoing hostage release negotiations.
In a statement, Halevi said he would use his remaining weeks in office to complete internal investigations and strengthen the IDF's security readiness. He emphasized plans for an orderly transition of power to his successor, and has formally notified both the Defense Minister and Prime Minister of his decision.
The resignation marks a major shake-up in Israel's military leadership, as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of the deadliest attacks in its history. Halevi is the highest-ranking official to step down over the October 7 security failures.
Halevi's full resignation letter has emerged, revealing he had "planned this decision long ago," according to prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal. In the candid letter, Halevi explains he chose this moment - with the IDF claiming battlefield dominance and a hostage deal in progress - as the right time to step down, while acknowledging the October 7 catastrophe "haunts me daily."
Meanwhile, Israeli politician Hillel Bitton-Rosen praised Halevi's four decades of service to Israel, calling for a new era of IDF leadership. "The time has come to rebuild the IDF into a victorious, powerful force under brave new commanders," Bitton-Rosen stated.
The revelations add new context to today's shock resignation announcement, suggesting Halevi's departure was carefully timed rather than a sudden decision.
In a carefully worded statement that both acknowledges failure and claims victory, outgoing IDF Chief Herzi Halevi explained his surprise resignation timing today. The military leader emphasized that he's choosing to depart at a moment of strength - with Israeli forces reporting major battlefield gains, deterrence power restored, and a hostage return agreement in motion.
However, Halevi made clear that accountability for October 7th's catastrophic security breach remains at the heart of his decision. According to military correspondent Amir Ettinger, Halevi's message effectively declares "mission accomplished" on rebuilding Israel's military standing, while still accepting personal responsibility for its greatest failure.
In a telling sign of deteriorating relations between Israel's top defense officials, Defense Minister Katz learned of IDF Chief Halevi's resignation at the exact same moment it was distributed to journalists through the military's press office. This starkly illustrates the deep rift that has developed between Israel's military and civilian defense leadership.
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