In a momentous decision, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), announced his resignation on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Halevi's departure, effective March 2025, comes as he accepts responsibility for the military's shortcomings during the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7th, which claimed the lives of over 1,400 Israelis and resulted in numerous abductions.

In his resignation letter, Halevi acknowledged the IDF's failure to protect Israeli citizens, a burden he says he will carry for the rest of his life. However, he also pointed to significant accomplishments during his tenure, including operations that weakened Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's influence in the region. He credited the IDF with conducting intense combat operations across multiple fronts, leading to what he described as transformative changes in the Middle East.

Despite the cease-fire and recent hostage returns, Halevi emphasized that the war's objectives remain incomplete. He affirmed the IDF's continued commitment to dismantling Hamas's capabilities, securing the release of all remaining hostages, and bolstering security for residents to safely return home.

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed gratitude for Halevi's service and leadership, the resignation has fueled political tensions. Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, and Avigdor Lieberman, have seized upon Halevi's decision to call for Netanyahu's resignation, citing the government's responsibility for the October 7th tragedy.

The demand for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th events has intensified, with families of victims and some Knesset members pressing for accountability and preventative measures for the future. Netanyahu has resisted these calls, maintaining that accountability will be addressed after the conflict concludes.

Halevi's resignation adds to the mounting pressure on Netanyahu's government, which is currently facing historically low public approval ratings. Conjecture regarding Halevi's successor has already begun, with potential candidates including Eyal Zamir, Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin, and Amir Baram.