Israel's General Staff chief may step down soon

Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Herzi Halevi plans to step down in December.

By that time, the military is expected to complete its investigation into leadership errors that enabled the October 7, 2023, attack by militants from the radical Palestinian group Hamas, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli channel. 

Halevi is anticipated to present the findings of the internal reviews to the public before his resignation at the end of December. Additionally, the Israel Defense Forces are expected to finalise preparation for a potential military operation in Lebanon by the same deadline. However, Halevi may remain in his position if the conflict with Hezbollah intensifies.

He has officially assumed the role of Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, succeeding Aviv Kohavi. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. At 55 years old, Halevi becomes the 23rd Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.

His appointment was approved by the Israeli cabinet in October 2022. The term for the Chief of General Staff is three years, though the law allows the government to extend this term by up to one additional year.