Former IDF Chief: Our Bombs Killed Hostages, Oct 7 Was Preventable

At a recent 'Shurat HaDin' conference in New York, former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi provided a candid assessment of the October 7 attacks, describing them as a failure that could have been prevented. Halevi’s remarks come at a time when Israel continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of the Hamas-led assault, both in terms of security policy and internal political accountability.

One of the most striking aspects of Halevi’s address was his admission regarding the fate of hostages. He acknowledged that in the chaos of the conflict, some hostages were killed by Israeli military fire. This admission highlights the extreme complexity of the urban warfare environment in Gaza, where the distinction between combatants and civilians—and the presence of hostages—creates impossible dilemmas for field commanders. Halevi’s willingness to address this painful reality underscores the gravity of the situation and the heavy toll the war has taken on the Israeli public consciousness.

Beyond the tactical failures, Halevi called for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry. He argued that the nation must look directly at the failures of that day to ensure they are never repeated. By confronting the systemic shortcomings, the military and political leadership can begin the process of institutional reform. He explicitly dismissed conspiracy theories suggesting that the failure was the result of internal treason, framing it instead as a profound lapse in operational readiness and intelligence assessment.

Regarding the ongoing war in Gaza, Halevi maintained that military pressure remains the primary lever for hostage negotiations. He argued that without the sustained and intense pressure exerted by the IDF, the ability to secure the release of those held in captivity would have been significantly diminished. This perspective reflects the broader strategic debate within Israel, balancing the need for military victory against the urgent humanitarian imperative of returning the hostages.

Halevi’s reflection on the image of Shiri Bibas served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the failure. He noted that the military was not there in time to save her, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the Israeli public. Ultimately, his speech serves as a call for accountability and a sober recognition of the challenges that lie ahead for the state of Israel as it navigates the aftermath of the most significant security breach in its history.