Resignation in Israel

Army chief accepts “responsibility for failure”

Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced his resignation on Tuesday. The 57-year-old explained his decision by saying that he was taking responsibility "for the failure of the Israeli army on October 7, 2023".

The move comes at a time "when the Israeli army has made important achievements and is in the process of implementing an agreement to release the hostages", he continued.

"October 7 will be with me for the rest of my life"
Shortly afterwards, General Jaron Finkelman, who is responsible for Israel's south - and the border with the Gaza Strip - also announced his withdrawal. Both military officers wrote that the failure on October 7 would stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Several representatives of the army had already announced their resignation after October 7, 2023. In the unprecedented Hamas massacre in the Israeli border area, more than 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others were deported to the Gaza Strip. Many Israelis accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not having admitted any personal responsibility for the political and military failure on October 7.

Military operation launched in the West Bank
While a ceasefire came into force in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the Israeli army has launched a major operation in the West Bank. According to the Palestinian authorities, at least six people have already been killed and dozens injured in the course of the "anti-terror operation".

On Monday, Israeli security forces also had to take action against radical Jewish settlers who had set fire to vehicles and buildings in two villages inhabited by Palestinians.