In a moment of striking candor and responsibility, in front of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has been vehemently against the idea, outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi delivered a powerful call for the establishment of a national commission of inquiry into the catastrophic failures of October 7, marking his departure from the top post in the Israeli army with an urgent plea for accountability and reform.
Halevi’s Call for Accountability
Speaking at the official handover ceremony in Tel Aviv, Halevi did not mince words regarding the magnitude of the military’s failure to prevent the unprecedented Hamas onslaught. With Netanyahu standing just meters away, the outgoing chief emphasized the necessity of an independent, state-led investigation, one that extends beyond the internal reviews of the IDF and Shin Bet.
“The establishment of a state commission of inquiry is necessary and vital. Not to find someone to blame, but first and foremost to reach the source of the problems and allow for repair,” Halevi stated firmly. He acknowledged that the IDF had suffered a “deep failure” on that fateful day and underscored that only a comprehensive national investigation could unearth the structural deficiencies that led to such a breach of security.
📢Outgoing IDF Chief Halevi calls for a national commission of inquiry into the Oct 7 onslaught.
— Lazar Berman (@Lazar_Berman) March 5, 2025
"Not to find someone to blame, but first and foremost to reach the source of the problems & allow for repair".
He says this in front of Netanyahu, who has resisted a state probe. pic.twitter.com/QNXUuwZ3B8
Halevi’s remarks placed him at odds with Netanyahu, who has steadfastly resisted calls for an independent inquiry, likely fearing political ramifications. Yet, Halevi’s voice carried the weight of battlefield reality, the burden of fallen soldiers, and the responsibility of a nation seeking to understand how its defenses were so gravely compromised.
Rebuke of Political Criticism
In addition to his call for accountability, Halevi forcefully condemned the ongoing barrage of political attacks against the IDF, particularly from figures who he suggested lack the firsthand experience to critique the military’s conduct.
“This does not help us to be better. It may harm the soldiers’ trust, and their commanders’,” he warned, referencing the relentless scrutiny that military leadership has faced in the wake of the October 7 attack.
With pointed words aimed at some of Israel’s loudest critics, Halevi remarked, “Some of those preaching about a lack of courage and determination have never felt a cold trigger at night in front of an enemy, never heard the breath of a wounded friend on a stretcher in enemy territory.” His message was clear—true bravery is forged on the battlefield, not in political grandstanding.
Eyal Zamir Assumes Command
In a seamless yet solemn transition, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir assumed the mantle of IDF Chief of Staff, stepping into one of the most demanding military roles in Israel’s history. The weight of the ongoing war was evident, as both Halevi and Zamir forwent traditional dress uniforms, donning the more practical ‘Madei Bet’ work attire—a visual reminder of a military still entrenched in conflict.
🇮🇱 Incoming IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general during a ceremony at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv.
— The Global Beacon (@globalbeaconn) March 5, 2025
He is replacing outgoing Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, who is resigning due to the military’s failure to stop Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. pic.twitter.com/YVnYUKkLbt
Zamir’s first remarks as chief of staff were resolute and direct: “The task, which I am receiving today, is clear: Lead the IDF to victory.”
In an apparent nod to Israel’s ongoing internal debates regarding military service, Zamir made a pointed appeal to the ultra-Orthodox community, emphasizing the need for broader national participation in the defense of Israel. “I urge all parts of Israeli society to participate in the mitzvah [religious commandment] of defense of the homeland. This is a shared responsibility.”
He reinforced the necessity of military cohesion, declaring, “The IDF is the army of the people. Facing external threats, we must have cohesion of the ranks. We will work to expand the ranks. The defensive missions must be divided.”
Addressing the families of those still held hostage in Gaza, Zamir delivered an emotional commitment: “Your loved ones are in front of my eyes. Our moral duty is clear; Bring everyone back home, in any way possible and as quickly as possible.”
Incoming IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir is promoted to the rank of lieutenant general at a ceremony at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 5, 2025
Zamir is taking over from outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, who is resigning over the military’s failure to prevent Hamas’s… pic.twitter.com/Z0udtJeWyQ
Netanyahu’s Steadfast Stance
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the occasion to double down on his vision for Israel’s ongoing war effort, making it clear that his government is committed to achieving absolute victory over Hamas, Iran, and their proxy forces.
“We must achieve the aims of the war in full,” Netanyahu proclaimed, describing Israel’s military strategy as one rooted in “an attack mindset, crushing force, persistence, confidence, and a sense of righteousness.”
Netanyahu took a moment to praise Zamir, recalling his tenure as military secretary from 2012 to 2015, describing him as a soldier of unwavering Zionist conviction and professional dedication.
Further emphasizing Israel’s growing military might, Netanyahu acknowledged the crucial role of foreign partnerships in the nation’s defense strategy. He highlighted Zamir’s role as Director General of the Defense Ministry, where he spearheaded vital weapons procurement efforts. In a pointed remark likely aimed at reinforcing U.S.-Israel cooperation, Netanyahu noted, “With the support of our friends in the US, first and foremost President Trump, we are bringing to Israel right now a lot of weapons that are critical to our security.”
Netanyahu praises outgoing Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi:
— JFeed News (@JFeedIsraelNews) March 5, 2025
“I saw how you rose after the October 7 attack, summoning the strength of both body and soul. You are a warrior and a highly decorated commander.
Thank you for your crucial role in the chain of achievements following… https://t.co/kocz47R8YI pic.twitter.com/M2wg8yvado
He also stressed that Israel is ramping up domestic defense production to reduce reliance on external suppliers, vowing, “This will reduce the pressure and dependence on outside actors.”
A Military in Transition, A Nation in Reflection
The ceremonial transition of power between IDF chiefs of staff was more than just a routine military event—it was a moment of reckoning for Israel’s defense establishment. Halevi’s raw honesty about military failures, Zamir’s vow to lead with unwavering determination, and Netanyahu’s firm commitment to total victory all underscored the gravity of Israel’s current struggle.
With an ongoing war, a hostage crisis, and internal divisions over military service, the road ahead for the IDF—and for Israel as a whole—remains fraught with challenges. Yet, one thing remains undeniable: The resilience of the Israeli military and its leaders will be tested, and history will judge how they rise to the occasion.
