Herzi Halevi, the top Israeli general, has resigned following the catastrophic security failures related to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that resulted in significant civilian casualties and hostages. Despite overseeing a military response that inflicted heavy damage on Gaza, Halevi acknowledged his responsibility for failing to defend Israel adequately during the initial assault. His resignation letter emphasized the duality of suffering from that failure while also recognizing some military successes in the ongoing conflict, with the military continuing its efforts against Hamas and to recover hostages.
"My responsibility for the terrible failure accompanies me every day, hour by hour, and will do so for the rest of my life," Halevi wrote in his resignation letter.
Halevi said that the military had, under his command failed in its mission to defend the State of Israel when Hamas attacked, but had made significant achievements in the ensuing war.
The objectives of the war have not all been achieved. The army will continue to fight to further dismantle Hamas and its governing capabilities, ensure the return of the hostages.
The attack killed at least 1,139 people, mostly civilians, according to an Al Jazeera tally based on Israeli statistics, and another 250 people were seized as captives.
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