During Israel's Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, publicly acknowledged the IDF's failure to protect civilians during a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7. Halevi expressed deep remorse, stating that he bears the responsibility for the tragic outcome of the attack.
Hamas' assault on October 7 caught Israel off guard, resulting in significant casualties and ongoing repercussions for the nation. The operation involved a large-scale infiltration of at least 1,500 Hamas fighters across the border into Israel, leading to the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis. Additionally, a number of individuals remain in captivity under the control of the militant group.
In his speech, Lt. Gen. Halevi emphasized the weight of the responsibility he carries, acknowledging the profound impact of the failure to defend Israeli civilians. He expressed a deep sense of personal accountability and vowed to continue shouldering the burden of the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day.
The aftermath of the Hamas attack continues to reverberate throughout Israel, prompting a critical reassessment of defense strategies and operational readiness within the IDF. Lt. Gen. Halevi's candid admission of fault serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the military in safeguarding the nation's security and protecting its citizens.
