The Israeli military is undergoing significant leadership changes in response to failures during the deadly Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has summoned around a dozen senior commanders to inform them they will face dismissal or disciplinary actions due to the military’s shortcomings on that day, which marked the deadliest incident in Israel’s history.
Zamir described the military’s inability to safeguard civilians during the assault as a “severe, resounding, systemic failure.” He emphasized that this accountability is crucial for restoring public trust in the military and establishing a clear standard of command responsibility. In a statement released on Sunday, Zamir noted, “I have decided, after careful consideration, to draw personal conclusions regarding commanders holding certain positions who served on October 7.”
The military did not disclose the names of those affected, but many of the officers involved were serving in reserves and are expected to be released from service. This decision aligns with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s recent announcement of an official inquiry into the attacks, a move that has drawn skepticism from critics. Many remain concerned that a team appointed by Netanyahu, who was in power during the events of October 7, may lack the necessary independence.
Zamir’s actions follow an independent review he ordered to evaluate the military’s internal investigations regarding the failures. The report, which concluded this month, revealed that the initial assessments had not accurately reflected the extent of individual officers’ failings.
Military Investigations and Findings
In February, the military released early findings indicating that senior officers underestimated Hamas’s capabilities and misinterpreted early warning signs of the impending attack. At that time, officials clarified that these investigations were not focused on assigning individual responsibility, though they hinted that such determinations might follow later.
Since taking over as chief of staff in March, Zamir has actively sought to address the military’s shortcomings. He ordered a thorough review of the inquiries conducted under the command of his predecessor, Herzi Halevi, who resigned earlier this year, citing failures during the October 7 attack and acknowledging his personal responsibility.
The attack led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals in Israel, with around 250 more kidnapped and taken to Gaza. In retaliation, the Israeli military launched extensive operations in Gaza, resulting in the reported deaths of nearly 70,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Implications of Command Accountability
The military’s decision to discipline individual officers comes as part of a broader effort to learn from the harrowing events of October 7 and prevent future mistakes. Zamir framed his decision as a necessary step to ensure that individual assessments of responsibility are taken seriously. He acknowledged the difficulty of disciplining officers he respects, stating, “If we do not sharpen the meaning of responsibility, trust in the system will erode.”
The military identified approximately a dozen officers who will be affected, most of whom are reservists. While some will face disciplinary measures, others will be released from service. Zamir expressed appreciation for their service, indicating the complexity of the situation.
As Israel grapples with the aftermath of the October 7 attack, the military’s actions represent a significant shift in accountability within its ranks. The unfolding situation will likely continue to attract scrutiny from both the public and political spheres as the nation seeks to navigate its future amidst ongoing conflict.
