Tue Jan 21 17:17:08 UTC 2025: ## Top Israeli General Resigns Over Hamas Attack Failures

**JERUSALEM** – Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Israel’s chief of staff, resigned on Tuesday, taking responsibility for the “terrible” intelligence and security failures that preceded the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. This marks the highest-level resignation in the aftermath of the devastating assault, which left at least 1,139 Israelis dead and hundreds more captured.

Halevi, who oversaw Israel’s response to the attack, acknowledged in his resignation letter to Defense Minister Israel Katz that the military had “failed in its mission to defend the State of Israel” on October 7th. While citing significant military achievements in the subsequent war, he stated his personal responsibility for the initial failures would remain with him for life. His resignation comes three days after a ceasefire agreement was reached, ending the month-long conflict.

The October 7th attack saw thousands of Hamas fighters storm into Israel from Gaza, targeting military bases, civilian settlements, and a music festival. The ensuing conflict resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities, and widespread destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical due to Israel’s strict limitations on aid supplies.

Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of Israel’s Southern Command, also resigned shortly after Halevi. These resignations are likely to fuel calls for a public inquiry into the security failures preceding the October 7th attack, a request previously resisted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called for Netanyahu’s resignation as well, Netanyahu accepted Halevi’s resignation and thanked him for his service.

Despite criticism from some within Netanyahu’s government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who acknowledged both Halevi’s failures and contributions, Katz stated that Halevi would continue his duties until a successor is found. The search for a replacement is underway, and the resignations could signal significant changes within the Israeli military command.

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