Herzi Halevi, the Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has labeled October 7, 2023, as a “day of failure” in Israel’s mission to safeguard its citizens. In a heartfelt letter to Israeli soldiers, Halevi emphasized that the date marks not only a day of remembrance for the tragic events but also a moment for serious reflection on the shortcomings that allowed such an incident to occur.
On that day, terrorists affiliated with Hamas and other extremist factions launched a devastating attack that resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of around 250 individuals, who were taken to the Gaza Strip. This event sparked a large-scale conflict, with reports from the Hamas-controlled health authority indicating that approximately 42,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have lost their lives during the ensuing war.
Despite acknowledging that Hamas’ military wing has faced significant setbacks, Halevi reiterated that efforts to dismantle the group’s terrorist infrastructure will persist. He also noted that Hezbollah in Lebanon has suffered serious damage as well.
“We will not cease our operations,” Halevi asserted, emphasizing the importance of dismantling enemy capabilities to prevent a recurrence of the tragedies of October 7.