Herzi Halevi

Herzi Halevi is the former IDF chief of staff, having served from 2023 when he replaced Aviv Kohavi, until March 2025, when he was replaced by Eyal Zamir. 

Halevi's short tenure as chief of staff was due to the October 7 massacre, when Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel on October 7, 2023 and killed 1,200 people and taking over 200 others hostage. Due to the IDF's failure to prevent this attack from occurring, Halevi resigned from his position nearly two years later. 

PM reveals ousting of top officials to advance controversial haredi military service bill

"Everyone must serve: Secular, religious, and haredim," Gallant said in response.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf seen in Jerusalem, September 27, 2023
 Donald Trump over a backdrop of an Iranian flag. (Illustrative)

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 IDF troops operating in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, January 4, 2023.

State Comptroller requests IDF, Military Defense provide documents regarding Oct. 7 massacre

(L-R): IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Defense Minister Israel Katz, new Defense Ministry director-general Amir Baram seen in Jerusalem, March 24, 2025

Israel Katz runs head first into new IDF chief Eyal Zamir in new public clash – analysis


'Fratricidal discourse': The Shin Bet standoff puts Israel's democracy in a bind - opinion

How Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's firing of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) head Ronen Bar kicked off a clash between Israel's security and political spheres.

 Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

'No choice but to commend Hamas for deceiving us, ' former IDF chief recorded saying

The recording was published after Halevi ended his position as Chief of Staff for the IDF earlier this month and was replaced by Eyal Zamir.

 Former IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi.

Zamir establishes team to review investigation into October 7 security failures

The IDF will review the results and quality of previous investigations and decide whether they are sufficient or require further review.

 IDF Chief-of-Staff Eyal Zamir and predecessor Herzi Halevi visit the Western Wall, in Jerusalem, on March 5, 2025

IDF leak scandal: Halevi accused of inaction as Smotrich got intel - report

The IDF knew about leaks to Smotrich during the war, but then-Chief of Staff Halevi failed to act, fearing political fallout, according to a report by KAN News.

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference with bereaved families in the Ministry of Finance in Jerusalem on January 8, 2023.

IDF plans to summon 14,000 haredim, expects shortfall in 2025 draft goals

The IDF said it expects to miss its 2025 goal of 4,800 recruits by 1,800.

 ULTRA-ORTHODOX men protest against the haredi draft, in Jerusalem last week.

Zamir appoints Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin as new military spox., replacing Hagari

Defrin beat out Col. Beni Aharon, who had been a key tank brigade commander during the Gaza war, for the post.

 Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin.

How a massacre happened: How three top IDF officials failed to prevent Hamas's attack - analysis

Three IDF officials are uniquely responsible for the last-minute decisions they made once there was evidence of a potential imminent attack.

 An image of former IDF chief of staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi (L); IDF Southern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Yaron Finkelman; and IDF intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Aharon Haliva, set to a backdrop of Gazans invading Israel on October 7, 2023.

'Victory and defeat of the enemy': New IDF chief Zamir's first official order

"Enemies near and far have sought to destroy us. They mistakenly believed that our spirit was weak and our ranks were fractured," he wrote. 

 IDF Chief-of-Staff Eyal Zamir visits the Western Wall, in Jerusalem, on March 5, 2025

Dozens of wristbands: Sharon Halevi’s tribute to fallen soldiers

The outgoing IDF chief of staff's wife explained that the bracelets were given to her by the families of fallen IDF soldiers she had visited during the Iron Swords War. 

 Sharon Halevi wears bracelets to honor fallen IDF soldiers.

Zamir reshapes IDF high command with key appointments

New IDF chief Eyal Zamir makes swift command changes merely hours after his swearing in.

 Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, Head of the IDF Personnel Directorate attends a replacing ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem on July 8, 2024.

Halevi, Zamir visit Western Wall, after transfer of title

Both Zamir and Halevi left notes between the stones of the Wall, a common Jewish tradition when visiting the site.

 IDF Chief-of-Staff Eyal Zamir and predecessor Herzi Halevi visit the Western Wall, in Jerusalem, on March 5, 2025