Former IDF Chief Herzi Halevi: Oct 7 Was Preventable, No Treason

In a significant public appearance at the Shurat HaDin conference in New York, former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi addressed the catastrophic events of October 7, 2023. This marked his first major statement since leaving his post, providing a rare glimpse into his perspective on the intelligence and operational failures that allowed the Hamas-led attack to occur. Halevi was unequivocal in his assessment that the disaster was a failure that could have been prevented, yet he firmly rejected the conspiracy theories suggesting that the military or intelligence community had been compromised by internal treason.

Addressing the broader implications of the war, Halevi underscored the importance of accountability. He argued that Israel must establish a state commission of inquiry to conduct a thorough investigation. According to the former Chief of Staff, this process is not merely about assigning blame but is a critical component of the national healing process. He noted that the country must be prepared to ask itself difficult questions to ensure such a failure is never repeated.

On the operational front, Halevi defended the IDF's conduct in the Gaza Strip. He addressed critics who questioned the intensity and duration of the military campaign, stating that without significant and sustained military pressure, the return of the hostages would have been impossible. This perspective highlights the tension that existed between the military leadership and the political echelon throughout the conflict. Halevi revealed that it took considerable effort for the military leadership to convince the political level to authorize the ground maneuver in Gaza, suggesting that the strategic direction was a subject of intense internal debate.

When asked about the concept of 'total victory,' Halevi reflected on the complexities of modern warfare against non-state actors. His comments suggest a pragmatic view of the conflict, where military objectives must be balanced against the limitations of political consensus. The former Chief of Staff's remarks serve as a bridge between the operational realities of the battlefield and the political discourse surrounding the war. By addressing the 'treason' narrative, he sought to restore faith in the integrity of the IDF, even while acknowledging the profound failures in its performance. His call for a state inquiry signals that the debate over the events of October 7 will continue to shape Israeli politics and military doctrine for years to come.