JERUSALEM, Mar 5: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presided over the inauguration of the new military chief of staff, emphasizing the commitment to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and other Iran-supported militant groups.
Lt Gen Eyal Zamir is set to take over from Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, who stepped down partly due to the army’s shortcomings during the Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“For many years, the IDF has accomplished its missions. However, on October 7, the IDF fell short,” Halevi stated during the ceremony. He urged Israel to form a state commission of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the failures that contributed to the fatal attack.
While the Israeli military and Shin Bet have recently published their own reports, Halevi emphasized the necessity of a national commission that incorporates political leaders to “address the underlying issues and facilitate corrections.” (AP)
