Israeli Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, is anticipated to step down in the near future, as indicated by local media reports on Saturday.
Following the resignation of Major General Aharon Haliva, head of military intelligence, on Monday, it has emerged that all officers implicated in the failure to anticipate the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas are expected to face repercussions, starting with the Chief of Staff, according to Channel 12.
Legal preparations are underway by many officers in anticipation of potential investigations, with Haliva reportedly drafting his resignation letter to the Chief of Staff, foreseeing that his statements would be scrutinized by the investigative committee.
Haliva’s resignation sets off a series of impending retirements among top commanders, including Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet domestic security agency, the report suggests.
There are mounting concerns regarding the implications of Halevi’s departure on both security and political fronts, with former potential successors now being viewed in light of the failure, the report notes.
Political circles are eyeing Major General Eyal Zamir, the director general of the Defense Ministry, as a likely successor to Halevi, according to sources.
The report comes amidst Israel’s continued military offensive in the Gaza Strip following the October 7 attack by Hamas, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with an interim ruling in January mandating measures to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza.
