Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has expressed his continued support for IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, stating that he has no intention of replacing the military's top leader while security threats persist along Israel's northern border. This stance comes amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon and internal discussions about accountability for the Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught.
In recent closed-door conversations, the contents of which were obtained by Israel Hayom, Gallant reportedly stated, "I trust the chief of staff and have confidence in him. I don't intend to replace him while there's an open front in the north."
Even eight months after Oct. 7, it appears the defense minister believes there is still no place for leadership changes at the top of the defense establishment while the war has not ended, and there remains a significant chance that Israel may engage in a campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
These statements from Gallant are significant and may result in Halevi continuing to lead the IDF for many more months or even longer if a prolonged campaign in Lebanon develops. This is alongside the fact that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gallant, and the rest of the political echelon are not even considering the option of resigning due to their responsibility for the failure that led to the massacre.
According to media reports, Halevi had indicated the completion of IDF investigations into the Oct. 7 events as a time when he could step down, with estimates pointing to around September.
Now, as Israel moves towards "Phase 3," which is seen as the official end of intense fighting in Gaza, many expect Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar to resign from their positions, following their declarations of taking responsibility for the failure. Halevi could certainly resign and request to end his role, but it seems that if it depends on Gallant as he may ask the chief of staff to stay as long as it's unclear how the situation in the north will develop.
Military sources told Israel Hayom, "If the chief of staff resigns now, before it's clear what's happening in the north, it will lead to the resignation of all the senior officials under him who were connected to the failure – and it will shake up the army. This needs to be managed professionally. The IDF cannot undergo upheaval when there's still a possibility of an all-out war in the north."
The resignations of Halevi and Bar have political significance. Government ministers from Likud and Religious Zionism believe the two should have resigned long ago. However, their resignations would lead to public demand for the Prime Minister and the entire government to resign as well. In other words, the pressure would escalate.
On the other hand, the opposition and protest leaders fear that if the chief of staff and shin bet head resign, the government will remain and appoint its own people in their place – essentially, political appointments. This is more related to the Shin Bet chief, who is appointed by the prime minister and has a direct connection to democratic components in the state.
Regarding the chief of staff, the leading candidate to replace Halevi is Defense Ministry Director-General Eyal Zamir. In the case of the chief of staff's resignation, the question arises: Does the government, which was responsible for the failure, even have a public mandate to appoint the next military leader who will rehabilitate the army?
Gallant's office responded, "We do not comment on closed conversations and regret leaks from them."
