DayofPal– The Al-Aqsa Flood Operation launched by Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, on October 7, 2023, has sent shockwaves through Israel’s military, security, and intelligence establishments, triggering a wave of high-profile resignations.
On that day, Al-Qassam Brigades invaded settlements near Gaza and 11 military bases along the border, killing and capturing hundreds of Israelis.
This unprecedented operation exposed the vulnerability of Israel’s much-touted military and intelligence capabilities, sparking internal turmoil and a reckoning over the failures of defense and response.
In a televised address, on January 21, 2025, Herzi Halevi, Chief of General Staff, announced his resignation and responsibility for the failure of anticipating October 7 events.
“On October 7, we failed in both defense and offense. I will carry the weight of that terrible day for the rest of my life,” he said.
On the same day, Yaron Finkelman, Army southern Command Head, also resigned, writing in his resignation letter: “On October 7, I failed to defend the western Negev. That failure will remain etched in my memory forever.”
The Chief of General Staff is the highest-ranking position in the Israeli military, typically held for three years, with an optional one-year extension. The Southern Command oversees the Gaza sector, making it a critical role.
According to The Jerusalem Post, additional resignations are expected soon, including the heads of the Air Force, Navy, and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), following Halevi’s departure.
On September 12, 2024, Yossi Sariel, Commander of Unit 8200, Israel’s elite military intelligence unit, stepped down, stating: “On October 7, I did not fulfill my mission as expected by my superiors and subordinates.”
On the same day, Uzi Levi, Commander of the Israeli police in the occupied West Bank, also resigned.
On July 11, 2024, the Southern Commander of the Shin Bet, identified only as “A,” resigned due to failures in addressing Al-Aqsa Flood Operation.
On June 9, 2024, Avi Rosenfeld, Commander of the Gaza Division, resigned after his forces failed to repel the attack, which led to Al-Qassam fighters overrunning division headquarters.
On April 22, 2024, Aharon Haliva, Head of Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman), announced his resignation, holding responsibility for the failures of October 7.
On April 4, 2024, Amit Sa’ar, Head of the Research Division within the Military Intelligence Directorate, also stepped down.
Experts predict more resignations in the coming days, as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant set the end of January 2025 as the deadline for the military to complete its internal investigations into the catastrophic failures of October 7.
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