TEL AVIV (Agencies): Reports suggest that Herzi Halevi, the Israeli Chief of Staff, is expected to resign soon. This follows the resignation of the country’s head of military intelligence, Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, on Monday.
The resignations come in the wake of criticism over the failure to predict the attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, 2023. Channel 12, a private broadcaster, reported that all officers responsible for this oversight would be asked to step down, starting with the Chief of Staff.
Many of these officers have reportedly sought legal representation in anticipation of war investigations. Haliva, who is the first in a series of commanders expected to retire, allegedly wrote his resignation letter to the Chief of Staff after receiving legal advice.
The report also listed several other officers, including Ronen Bar, Head of the Shin Bet domestic security agency, who are likely to be forced into retirement.
The potential replacement of Halevi has raised concerns about the implications for the security and political systems. Commanders who were once considered potential successors, such as Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman and Maj. Gen. Eliezer Toledano, are now seen as part of the failure.
Political circles are now expecting Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the director general of the Defense Ministry, to succeed Halevi.