Top General Resigns as Israel Launches West Bank Offensive/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel’s top general, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, resigned over the military’s failure during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 and abducted 250. On the same day, Israeli forces launched a major military operation in Jenin, killing six Palestinians amid heightened violence in the West Bank. Criticism of Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas continues to mount as tensions escalate.
Israel’s Leadership Shakeup and West Bank Operation Quick Looks
- General’s Resignation: Halevi cites failures during Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault.
- West Bank Offensive: Israeli forces kill six in Jenin operation.
- Ceasefire Tensions: Criticism mounts over prisoner swaps and halted Gaza operations.
- Palestinian Casualties: Over 47,000 killed in Gaza, per local authorities.
- Government Divisions: Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right coalition partners.
Top General Resigns as Israel Launches West Bank Offensive
Deep Look
Israel’s Top General Resigns as West Bank Tensions Escalate
Introduction: Leadership Crisis and Renewed Violence
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Israel’s highest-ranking military officer, resigned Tuesday, citing failures in preventing Hamas’ devastating October 7, 2023, attack. The announcement coincided with a significant Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, underscoring ongoing instability even amid a tenuous Gaza ceasefire.
Halevi admitted in his resignation letter that the military had “failed in its mission to defend the State of Israel.” His departure, effective March 6, 2025, marks the first major resignation tied to the attack, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and another 250 abducted.
Renewed Violence in the West Bank
On the same day, Israeli forces launched a large-scale military operation in Jenin, killing six Palestinians and wounding 35, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The offensive targets militant groups and follows a surge in violence since the Gaza war began.
The West Bank remains excluded from the Gaza ceasefire, with near-daily Israeli raids often sparking deadly clashes. Jewish extremist attacks on Palestinians, as well as Palestinian assaults on Israelis, have also increased.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad Condemn Israeli Actions
Hamas condemned the Jenin operation and called for intensified attacks across the West Bank. Islamic Jihad, another militant group, described the offensive as a “desperate attempt” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stabilize his coalition.
“This is a reflection of Israel’s failure to achieve its goals in Gaza,” said Islamic Jihad in a statement.
Criticism Over Ceasefire with Hamas
Netanyahu’s ceasefire agreement with Hamas has faced backlash from far-right members of his government. The deal, which includes hostage releases and the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, has been seen as a concession to the militant group.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to leave the coalition if military operations in Gaza do not resume after the six-week ceasefire period. Public pressure also intensified after Itamar Ben-Gvir, another far-right leader, resigned from the government in protest of the ceasefire.
The Aftermath of the October 7 Attack
Hamas’ surprise assault was one of the deadliest in Israel’s history, involving land, sea, and air incursions. The attack exposed significant intelligence and security lapses, which Halevi acknowledged in his resignation.
The ongoing ceasefire has allowed Hamas to reassert its control in Gaza, highlighting the militant group’s resilience after 15 months of war that killed over 47,000 Palestinians, according to local authorities.
Conclusion: Challenges Ahead
As Israel grapples with internal divisions, leadership changes, and escalating violence in the West Bank, the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty. Halevi’s resignation and the Jenin offensive underscore the complex challenges facing Israel’s government and military as it seeks to balance security, political stability, and international scrutiny.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.