IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Halevi Resigns Over October 7 Failures

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Citing failure to protect Israel from the October 7 Hamas attack, IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi on Tuesday announced his resignation, Haaretz reports. Halevi will leave his post on March 6.

In his letter of resignation to Defense Minister Israel Katz, Halevi said he had long decided to leave but was waiting until the IDF had “the upper hand in all theaters of combat.” That time, Halevi said, had come. He also cited the recent ceasefire agreement including the phased return of the remaining 94 hostages held by Hamas as further evidence that the moment for his departure was “ripe.”

“The IDF under my command failed in its mission to protect the citizens of Israel,” Halevi wrote to Katz. “My responsibility for the terrible failure accompanies me every day, every hour, and will be so for the rest of my life.”

In a statement to the reporters hours later, Halevi said a full commission of inquiry should investigate what happened on October 7, 2023. “The military investigation pertains only to the IDF and does not cover all the reasons and areas that could prevent the recurrence of such events. A commission of inquiry or any other external body will be able to investigate and will receive full transparency from the IDF.”

“No one concealed information, and no one assisted the enemy in carrying out its brutality,” Halevi added. “Such statements harm loyal service members who are working for the security of the state.”

Responding to Halevi’s announcement, Defense Minister Katz said in a statement: “I would like to express my appreciation to the chief of staff and thank him for his contribution to the IDF throughout his years of service as a combat soldier and commander, and for his part in the IDF’s great achievements in the difficult war that was forced upon us.”

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.

More Worthy News

U.S. Trade Deficit Remains Near Record High as Imports Surge Despite Tariffs
U.S. Trade Deficit Remains Near Record High as Imports Surge Despite Tariffs
Thursday, February 19, 2026

The U.S. trade deficit edged slightly lower in 2025 but remained the third-largest on record, underscoring the scale of America’s global trade imbalance even amid sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

U.K. Blocks U.S. Use of Key Bases for Potential Strikes on Iran
U.K. Blocks U.S. Use of Key Bases for Potential Strikes on Iran
Thursday, February 19, 2026

The United Kingdom will not allow the Pentagon to use British-controlled bases to launch potential military strikes against Iran, according to a report by The Times of London.

Trump Launches ‘Board of Peace’ as $17 Billion Pledged for Gaza, Decision on Iran Looms
Trump Launches ‘Board of Peace’ as $17 Billion Pledged for Gaza, Decision on Iran Looms
Thursday, February 19, 2026

President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled what he called a historic new diplomatic framework — the “Board of Peace” — during an inaugural meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace, announcing billions in pledges for Gaza reconstruction and signaling that a major decision on Iran could come within days.

Trump Weighs Limited Strike on Iran as Nuclear Deadline Looms
Trump Weighs Limited Strike on Iran as Nuclear Deadline Looms
Thursday, February 19, 2026

President Donald Trump is weighing an initial, limited military strike on Iran aimed at forcing Tehran to meet U.S. demands for a comprehensive nuclear agreement, the Wall Street Journal reported.

FBI Director Says Bureau Uncovered ‘Significant’ Antifa Funding Streams
FBI Director Says Bureau Uncovered ‘Significant’ Antifa Funding Streams
Thursday, February 19, 2026

FBI Director Kash Patel said Wednesday that federal investigators have identified what he described as substantial funding streams connected to antifa-linked activities, signaling possible new enforcement actions as the bureau deepens its focus on left-wing violence.

Iran Closes Airspace Ahead of Planned Missile Launches as U.S. Imposes New Sanctions
Iran Closes Airspace Ahead of Planned Missile Launches as U.S. Imposes New Sanctions
Thursday, February 19, 2026

Iran has issued a formal aviation warning ahead of what it described as “extensive missile launches,” closing broad sections of its southern airspace on Thursday amid mounting regional tensions.

U.S. Amasses Largest Middle East Air Buildup Since 2003 Iraq War as Trump Weighs Iran Options
U.S. Amasses Largest Middle East Air Buildup Since 2003 Iraq War as Trump Weighs Iran Options
Thursday, February 19, 2026

The United States is assembling its most significant concentration of air power in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War, positioning advanced fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and support assets amid rising tensions with Iran.