David Gritten
Israel's military chief has resigned, saying he recognised his responsibility for its failure on 7 October 2023, when the Palestinian armed group Hamas carried out a deadly attack on the country that triggered the Gaza war.
In a letter to the defence minister, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi admitted the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had "failed in its mission to protect the citizens of Israel".
"My responsibility for the terrible failure accompanies me every day, every hour, and will be so for the rest of my life," he added.
The general said he would leave his role on 6 March at a time of "significant achievements" for the IDF, although he acknowledged that "not all" of Israel's war goals had been achieved.
"The military will continue to fight to further dismantle Hamas and its governing capabilities, ensure the return of the hostages" and enable Israelis displaced by attacks by armed groups to return home, he added.
Shortly afterwards, the chief of the IDF's Southern Command, Maj Gen Yaron Finkelman, also announced he was also stepping down, saying he had had failed in his "duty to protect the Western Negev and its beloved, heroic residents".
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