Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi: 'October 7 was a preventable failure, there was no betrayal from within'

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi spoke publicly for the first time about the October 7 attack, rejecting the theory of internal betrayal, defining the attack as a preventable failure, and calling for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry. He said that military pressure in Gaza was necessary for the return of hostages and acknowledged that IDF bombs unintentionally killed hostages.

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi spoke publicly for the first time about the October 7 attack during the 'Lawfare' conference on combating antisemitism in New York. Halevi unequivocally rejected the theory of internal betrayal, saying: 'One hundred percent there was no betrayal. The political echelon and political leadership must say this loud and clear.' He defined the attack as 'a preventable failure' and called for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry. Halevi mentioned Shiri Bibas and said: 'I look at her photo and see the fear in her eyes. We were not there in time to help and save her. That is the failure.' Regarding the war in Gaza, he argued that military pressure was necessary for the return of hostages, and acknowledged that IDF bombs unintentionally killed hostages. He explained that the security priorities before the attack placed Iran and Hezbollah before Hamas, and that Hamas deliberately misled Israel.

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi: 'October 7 was a preventable failure, there was no betrayal from within'