The Israeli navy chief of workers, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, introduced on Tuesday that he would resign in early March, citing partly the navy’s failure whereas underneath his command to guard Israelis from the Hamas-led assaults on Oct. 7, 2023.
The heavy toll of the Hamas assaults — 1,200 lifeless in Israel and 250 taken hostage to Gaza — had lengthy prompted an expectation in Israel that a minimum of a number of the nation’s leaders would finally resign. Solely a handful have achieved so, partly as a result of Israel has since confronted an unprecedented conflict, and Basic Halevi is the highest-ranking navy chief to step down thus far.
“My accountability for the horrible failure accompanies me day by day, each hour and can for the remainder of my life,” he mentioned in a letter asserting his resignation.
Basic Halevi resigned simply three days after Israel and Hamas started a 42-day truce, the primary part of a cease-fire and hostage launch deal. On Sunday, Hamas launched three girls hostages for 90 Palestinians jailed by Israel, principally girls and minors.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has rebuffed calls to step down over the assault, saying solely that he must reply “troublesome questions” after the conflict, like all people else. He has given no suggestion that can change due to the truce with Hamas, which mediators hope will finally put an finish to the conflict.
Over the previous 15 months, Basic Halevi, who assumed the position in early 2023, has overseen the Israeli navy by means of the conflict in Gaza, a floor invasion of Lebanon, navy operations in Syria and strikes in Iran.
Citing the cease-fire take care of Hamas, Basic Halevi mentioned the timing was “now ripe” for him to depart. He additionally mentioned that the Israeli navy had scored plenty of main achievements, permitting him to bow out with Israel’s “deterrence and would possibly” restored.
However he conceded that Israel’s conflict goals — which embody Hamas’s destruction and the return of all of the remaining hostages — have “but to be achieved.”
On Sunday, Hamas fighters celebrated the cease-fire with a present of pressure throughout the enclave, as masked and armed fighters unfold out publicly by means of its cities, sending a message that they remained in energy regardless of the devastating conflict with Israel. Many of the hostages will stay in Gaza until Israel reaches new phrases with Hamas to increase the 42-day cease-fire.
Mr. Netanyahu’s far-right allies had lengthy clashed with Basic Halevi, who was appointed by their centrist opponents. Laborious-liners like Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, the previous nationwide safety minister, have criticized the navy’s excessive command for not launching an much more aggressive marketing campaign in Gaza.
Israel Katz, the protection minister and shut affiliate of Mr. Netanyahu, will now have the chance to appoint a brand new chief of workers. In observe, which means Mr. Netanyahu might now have the chance to nominate somebody extra to his liking, navy analysts mentioned.
Shortly after Basic Halevi’s announcement, one other senior basic — Yaron Finkelman, head of the navy’s southern command — additionally resigned. Basic Finkelman’s position tasked him with overseeing Gaza and defending Israeli communities bordering the enclave.
