Halevi Resigns, Leaving the Army in Deep Crisis
After 15 months of war, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, Herzi Halevi, has announced his resignation, leaving his successor with an army in a severe personnel and organizational crisis. His departure, alongside tensions within military leadership, exacerbates the instability in Israel’s defense establishment, as the crisis deepens amidst renewed escalation in Jenin and ongoing political challenges.
Key Issues in the Army Under Halevi’s Leadership
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz highlights that the army is facing a severe personnel crisis:
- Officers continue to resign, weakening the chain of command and the army’s operational readiness.
- Leadership tensions have reached a breaking point.
- Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to the publication, played a pivotal role in Halevi’s resignation, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may attempt a similar maneuver with Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
???? Halevi stated:
“I will carry this defeat with me for the rest of my life.”
The Crisis and Its Causes
Haaretz suggests that the only way to address the crisis is by creating an independent commission to investigate the army’s failures, including recent military operations. However, Netanyahu is actively blocking such efforts.
The newspaper attributes the worsening situation to Netanyahu’s political manipulations, including:
- The military operation “Iron Wall” in Jenin, reminiscent of the 2002 “Defensive Shield” operation, used as a political tool to bolster Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s standing and distract public attention.
- The risk of derailing the prisoner exchange deal, heightened by provocations from settlers, which could trigger a new wave of Palestinian retaliation.
Potential Candidates for Chief of Staff
Following Halevi’s resignation, three candidates are in the running for the position of Chief of Staff:
- Eyal Zamir: A retired major general and current Director-General of the Ministry of Defense, who previously lost to Halevi in the last selection process.
- Amir Baram: A former Deputy Chief of Staff, linked to the failures of October 7, 2023.
- Uri Gordin: Commander of the Northern Military District, who brings operational experience but faces internal criticism.
⚡️ A decision on the new Chief of Staff is expected soon, but analysts predict that leadership changes alone will not resolve the systemic issues plaguing the army.
Implications and Forecasts
-
For the Army:
- The departure of key leaders risks further weakening management and operational readiness.
- Ongoing difficulties with recruitment and retention will continue to erode morale.
-
For Politics:
- Political interference by Netanyahu and Gallant deepens the crisis of trust within the military.
- Blocking investigations fuels public discontent and undermines accountability.
-
For the Region:
- Continued military operations like “Iron Wall” increase the risk of escalating conflict.
- Provocations in the West Bank could spark new waves of violence, destabilizing the region further.
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