IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi Resigns: signals accountability but raises questions over leadership

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by Ifi Reporter Category:Start Up Jan 21, 2025

The recent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, along with the ongoing release of abducted Israeli citizens, marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s recovery following the October 7 attack. On Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Southern Command Colonel Yaron Finkelman announced their resignations, signaling the end of their service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Halevi, in particular, expressed profound personal accountability for the failures during the attacks, saying, “I will carry the failure with me for the rest of my life.” The resignations come as Israel grapples with both the operational aftermath of the war and the political ramifications of military decisions made in the wake of the attack.

Military Accountability vs. Political Inaction

While military leaders like Halevi and Finkelman have resigned, political leaders appear reluctant to follow suit. Halevi’s decision to step down comes after he acknowledges the failure during the surprise Hamas attack, which left thousands dead and led to widespread destruction. For some, this marks the beginning of much-needed introspection within the military. However, political leaders in Israel, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have faced intense criticism for failing to take similar responsibility for the crisis. Calls for an independent state investigation committee into the reasons for the intelligence and operational failures of the war are gaining momentum, especially from the families of victims, despite Netanyahu’s opposition to such an inquiry.

Halevi had been expected to retire in March 2024, but the ongoing investigation and pressure from Defense Minister Yisrael Katz hastened his decision. Katz had initially pushed for the completion of the army’s internal investigations by the end of January. The recent ceasefire in Gaza allowed for a brief respite, giving both the military and the political echelon time to assess their next moves.

The October 7 Attack: A Turning Point

Halevi, a man known for his military acumen, had been deeply involved in key security discussions in the hours leading up to the attack. On October 6-7, during his consultations with Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, the IDF failed to act on growing intelligence signals about a possible Hamas offensive. One of the critical missed warnings was the fact that many Hamas operatives were using Israeli SIM cards on their phones. Despite this alarming intelligence, Halevi and the team opted for limited precautionary measures, assuming that further information would be available by the morning.

The attack, however, came with devastating force: thousands of rockets were launched at Israel at 6:29 a.m., and terrorists crossed the Gaza border, executing a massacre in surrounding communities. The security establishment was caught by surprise, and many military commanders have since lamented that even a brief warning could have prevented the scale of the disaster.

Internal Military Tensions and Leadership Challenges

Despite the failure of October 7, Halevi led the recovery process, overseeing the preparations for a potential Hezbollah attack in the north and a military operation in Gaza. Although Israel achieved some military successes in Gaza and Lebanon, the internal challenges within the army remain significant. The IDF faces a crisis in the middle ranks, with many officers leaving without suitable replacements. Meanwhile, the army’s reliance on reserves has led to growing anger within military circles, compounded by political decisions like the controversial draft evasion law for ultra-Orthodox Israelis.

Halevi’s successor will inherit an army in crisis, grappling with a leadership vacuum and strained resources. Despite operational successes, the lingering internal tensions have left the IDF vulnerable. Katz has announced that he will begin interviewing potential replacements for Halevi, though Netanyahu is widely believed to ultimately make the final decision.

Potential Successors: A Look at the Candidates

Several names have emerged as candidates for Halevi’s position. Eyal Zamir, a former deputy chief of staff, is seen as the most experienced, though some view his background as a potential hindrance, given his distance from the current crisis. Amir Baram, the deputy chief of staff, and Uri Gordin, head of the Northern Command, are also seen as viable options. Both have military experience but lack the years of leadership required for the top post.

At the same time, Major General Roman Gofman, Netanyahu’s military secretary, has also been mentioned as a political contender for the role. Gofman’s rising profile among right-wing political circles may make him a strong candidate, although many believe he lacks the experience to lead the IDF at such a critical juncture.

Tensions in the West Bank

The situation in the West Bank has taken a dramatic turn, with tensions rising among Israeli settlers and Palestinian militants. In what many observers view as an attempt to maintain political leverage, Netanyahu has sought to escalate tensions in the West Bank as part of Israel’s broader strategy in the war. This has fueled far-right settler violence, which has targeted Palestinian villages, leading to Jewish terrorist acts and clashes with Israeli forces. The IDF responded to these provocations with increased operations in the West Bank, including the announcement of Operation "Iron Wall" in Jenin, designed to curb local terrorist activity.

However, this military operation is widely seen as limited in scope, aimed more at appeasing right-wing political forces than achieving significant military gains. Despite the IDF’s claims of targeting terrorist infrastructures, the operation’s lack of a resounding success highlights the limitations of Israel’s current approach to West Bank security.

The Future of Israel’s Military Strategy 

As the conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah continues, Israel faces mounting challenges not only from external enemies but also from within its own ranks. The internal divisions, especially between military leadership and the political echelon, may continue to undermine the country’s efforts to stabilize the region.

While significant, Halevi’s significant resignation is unlikely to be the last shift in Israel’s military leadership. The IDF and the Israeli government will soon face critical decisions about the future direction of their military and political strategies, particularly as the ceasefire with Hamas and the broader regional situation remain volatile.

Political Struggles Intensify

Simultaneously, the intensifying Jewish settler violence in the West Bank and the rising tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants could serve as a critical flashpoint, threatening to derail Israel’s efforts to finalize the hostage release deal and further complicating the security situation.

As Netanyahu faces pressure from his right-wing coalition partners, the country’s political future remains uncertain, with concerns over whether Israel can manage the dual challenges of military and internal unrest in the coming months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
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