Israel has removed several top military commanders from duty, an attempt to signal accountability nearly two years after the Hamas-led assault of October 7, 2023 shattered Israel’s defences and plunged Gaza into its deadliest war on record. Yet, despite these internal military actions, the government has still refused to launch a national inquiry — a decision sparking growing anger across the country.
On Monday, the Israel Defense Forces announced the dismissal of senior generals who oversaw military intelligence, operational planning, and the southern command — the region directly responsible for protecting communities bordering Gaza. Though these officers had already stepped down from active duty, they remained on reserve service until now.
In a stark admission, military chief Eyal Zamir declared that Israel had suffered a “severe, resounding, systemic failure.” He said the army failed in its most essential task: safeguarding Israeli civilians. “The lessons of that day are numerous and significant,” he warned, calling for a complete rethinking of Israel’s security structures.
Other officers received formal reprimands. The current intelligence chief — who held a key operations post during the attack — was censured but permitted to remain in his role until 2028 before stepping down voluntarily. Reports also indicate that the heads of the air force and navy were censured for failing to counter the drones, paragliders, and other unconventional tools Hamas used to penetrate Israeli defences.
These disciplinary measures come at a time of mounting political pressure. Tens of thousands marched in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, demanding a state inquiry into how the attack occurred so easily. Opposition figures addressed the crowds, accusing the government of shielding itself from scrutiny. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that an investigation must wait, despite widespread criticism.
The consequences of October 7 have been catastrophic on both sides. Hamas and other Palestinian factions killed nearly 1,200 people in Israel and took around 250 hostages. Israel’s ensuing military campaign has devastated Gaza, killing more than 69,000 Palestinians over nearly two years, according to health officials in the enclave.
Although a US-brokered ceasefire was recently signed, it has stalled in its earliest phase. Israel continues to launch strikes across Gaza, while Israeli and Hamas officials trade accusations of violating the agreement. Gaza authorities are urging Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, and the United States to compel Israel to honour the terms, saying Israeli attacks have killed hundreds in recent days.
