Jerusalem: Israeli Army He announced the dismissal of three generals and the imposition of disciplinary sanctions Against other senior officials for failing to prevent the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, the deadliest in the country’s history.
The decision comes two weeks after the Army Commander’s announcement Eyal Zamir, Demand a “systematic investigation” into failures Which allowed terrorists to attack in the south of the country. The attack led to the deaths of 1,219 people Another 251 were taken hostage to Gaza.
The three generals who were removed from their posts are Aharon HalivaThen the head of military intelligence Oded BasiukChief of Operations, and Yaron Finkelmanwho on that day had assumed command of the southern military region of Israel.
Both Haliva and Winkelmann had already resigned. Claiming responsibility for the October 7 tragedyWhile Basiuk retired after the war launched by Israel against Iran, which lasted 12 days in June of this year.
According to the army statement. All three are personally responsible for the failure of the military institution When anticipating and repelling the bloody attack launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli media The Times of IsraelBut the country’s defense minister, Israel KatzOn Monday, he ordered a new investigation and temporarily halted the appointment of new generals until the report’s conclusions were re-evaluated.
“The security institution’s observer will present his conclusions within a period of 30 days Only then will I formulate my decisions regarding appointments, as required by my role and authority.”
For several months, the minister was in a power struggle with the army commander About the appointment of senior IDF commanders, selectively promoting some officers and denying promotions to others who, apparently, do not match them.
In addition to the dismissal of the generals, they also announced Imposing sanctions on the commanders of the naval and air forcesIn addition to disciplinary measures against four other generals and several senior officers.
It remains to be seen whether these attacks will fall on the Israeli Prime Minister or not. Benjamin Netanyahusimilar accusations For their failure to prevent the attacks.
Over the past two years, the Prime Minister has maintained that failures led to the attack It should be addressed once the war in Gaza ends.
According to opinion polls, a large majority of Israelis, from various political sectors, He supports the establishment of a committee to determine responsibilities.
The Hamas attack led to a devastating war in Gaza. Which left at least 69,756 people deadAccording to figures from the Ministry of Health in the Palestinian Territories, which the United Nations considers reliable.
The expert committee’s report was published earlier this month He was appointed by Eyal Zamir, marking the end of the military’s internal investigation into the lapses that led to the October 7 attack.
The document highlighted a “Long-term systemic and organizational dysfunction” Within the military apparatus.
The investigation also highlighted an “intelligence failure”. “Inability to issue an alert” about attacksAlthough the army had “exceptional, high-quality information.”
The report also criticized “poor decision-making processes.” “The inappropriate deployment of forces during the night of October 7, 2023,” as well as failures in the military chain of command.
at the moment, Israel and Hamas exchange accusations of violating the truce Which took effect on October 10 after two years of war.
Hamas indicated this on Monday A “high-level” delegation in Cairo To hold talks on the second phase of the ceasefire.
Agence France-Presse