Lt Gen Herzi Halevi has stepped down as Israel's military chief, citing responsibility for the October 7, 2023, failures that led to a significant attack by Hamas and subsequently triggered the Gaza war.

In his resignation letter addressed to the defense minister, Lt Gen Halevi acknowledged the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) lapse in securing Israeli citizens during the incident.

Acknowledging his role in this military shortfall, Halevi stated that the responsibility for this failure would remain with him indefinitely.

He announced his intention to leave his position on March 6, amidst what he termed 'significant achievements' within the IDF, although he admitted that not all war objectives had been met.

The military, according to Halevi, will persist in efforts to dismantle Hamas and facilitate the return of Israeli hostages and displaced citizens.

The resignation was closely followed by Maj Gen Yaron Finkelman, chief of the IDF's Southern Command, who resigned citing a failure in his duty to protect the Western Negev region.

This leadership shift occurs as Israel and Hamas have recently brokered a ceasefire and hostage release agreement.

The attack on October 7 resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties and 251 hostages, prompting a robust military response from Israel, which resulted in substantial casualties within the Gaza region, as reported by the local health ministry.

During a televised statement, Halevi declared that Hamas’s military wing had sustained considerable damage, with significant losses to its leadership and personnel.

Halevi stressed the IDF's ongoing inquiry into the events, ensuring it would be thorough and transparent, though he warned the inquiry would focus solely on IDF operations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Halevi's contributions during the conflict, noting significant military accomplishments, despite facing calls from opposition figures for his resignation.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid commended Halevi's decision, urging similar accountability from Netanyahu and his administration.

The current ceasefire, in which Halevi is playing a key role, involves a phased approach aimed at releasing Israeli hostages, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, and facilitating humanitarian aid into the area.

While the first phase is ongoing, subsequent negotiations will address the full withdrawal of Israeli troops and the rebuilding of Gaza, contingent upon maintaining a sustainable peace.

There are concerns over the stability of this ceasefire, with New US President Donald Trump expressing skepticism regarding its longevity.

Netanyahu has implied that hostilities could resume if further talks prove unproductive.

The evolving situation underscores the complexities and challenges in achieving a lasting peace in the region.