IDF Chief of Staff's First Year: Combating Enemies and Internal Politics

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has navigated a complex first year and a half in command, facing unprecedented challenges on multiple fronts. These include active combat on six fronts, alongside a significant internal struggle to maintain public trust in the IDF, prevent the politicization of senior command, and recruit thousands of additional soldiers to meet operational needs. Halevi's primary achievements are noted in his confrontations with adversaries. According to intelligence and operations directorates, IDF operations, including "With All My Might" and "Lion's Roar," have effectively halted Iran's nuclear progress for several years, pushing back Supreme Leader Khamenei's "destruction plan" by at least five years. All hostages, living and deceased, have been recovered from Gaza, and Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist armies no longer pose a significant threat, with the IDF actively degrading their capabilities.

Senior military officials credit Halevi with restoring the ground forces' confidence in their ability to maneuver and clear areas, both above and below ground, as demonstrated in operations in Lebanon, including crossing the Litani River and capturing the Beaufort and Ali Taher ridges. The IDF is also implementing a new offensive operational concept, balancing the demands of a hawkish cabinet with the White House's desire for a stable ceasefire. This new security doctrine, based on lessons from October 7th, emphasizes forward defense and deterrence, though it has not yet been officially adopted by the government. The IDF currently controls approximately 1,220 square kilometers and maintains 63 outposts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. A new division has been established along the Jordanian border, and efforts continue to build a barrier to prevent surprise attacks. In Syria, the IDF has initiated and maintained a credible threat that has so far thwarted Turkish takeover plans and ensured the safety of Druze populations. In the West Bank, the Central Command and Shin Bet have significantly suppressed Palestinian terrorism, though the IDF is criticized for failing to prevent or dismantle illegal Jewish outposts, despite government backing.

Halevi operates under four key constraints: adhering to cabinet directives, even when they conflict with operational assessments; navigating limitations imposed by the US, particularly regarding offensive actions; addressing a severe shortage of combat personnel, necessitating frequent reserve call-ups; and managing budget constraints, with the Finance Minister reportedly delaying approved budgets. Despite these challenges, the defense budget has more than doubled since before the war. Halevi, with his background as Director-General of the Defense Ministry, understands these difficulties but argues that the evolving security doctrine, the need for armament independence, and potential new strategic threats require immediate infrastructure, preparation, and equipping.

Halevi views his role as a mission, acknowledging his predecessor's handling of the post-October 7th crisis. Upon taking office on March 5, 2025, with 59 hostages still in Gaza, Halevi prioritized recovering hostages and preparing the military and home front for conflict with Iran. He implemented a strategy of sustained military pressure on Hamas, which he believes led to the return of the remaining hostages. His operational approach in Gaza shifted from rapid raids to a slower, less risky method that prevents Hamas from re-establishing itself. This strategy has resulted in the IDF controlling approximately 67% of Gaza, with 42 outposts east of the line, and engaging in a war of attrition. Halevi also initiated a significant shift in operations against Iran, moving from surgical strikes to "industrial operations" aimed at long-term disabling of Iran's air defense, nuclear program, and missile capabilities, alongside targeting senior Revolutionary Guards and military officials. This approach, he stated, has set back Iran's nuclear program by five years and significantly degraded its military-industrial capacity.

The IDF's new security concept, emphasizing forward defense and deterrence, has led to a 300% increase in forces deployed along borders compared to October 6, 2023. The IDF now occupies strategic positions deep within enemy territory in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. In Lebanon, forward defense involves securing observation points and destroying Hezbollah infrastructure. The operation at the Ali Taher ridge, targeting Hezbollah's command and logistics center, was a significant achievement, conducted with extreme caution and secrecy. Halevi is committed to maintaining operational discipline and statehood principles within the IDF, navigating complex relationships with the political echelon and addressing issues such as the conscription of the ultra-Orthodox and the rise of religious extremism within the ranks. He has also clashed with the political leadership over appointments and operational directives, asserting the IDF's professional autonomy.