Ex-IDF Chief Halevi Admits "Our Bombs Killed Hostages" in Gaza

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi stated publicly for the first time since leaving his post that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of hostages. "Our bombs killed hostages. Of course, it was not intentional. We did not know they were there," Halevi said during a conference in New York.

Speaking at the "Shurat HaDin" conference on the war against antisemitism, Halevi also vehemently rejected rumors of internal betrayal contributing to the October 7th attacks. "One hundred percent there was no betrayal. The political echelon and the political leadership must say this loudly and clearly," he asserted, explaining that his knowledge of the events and individuals involved led him to believe that long-serving security personnel would not aid Hamas. He noted that such assistance would require a wide network, not a single individual, and no such network was found.

Halevi acknowledged that October 7th was a preventable failure and stressed the need for a state inquiry commission to ask difficult questions as part of Israel's healing and learning process. He revealed initial tensions with the political leadership at the war's outset, noting it took considerable time to convince them to maneuver within Gaza. Halevi argued that breaking the pattern of limited rounds of airstrikes and applying military pressure was essential for the safe return of hostages.

He admitted that the IDF's pre-war strategic assessment, shared by the Shin Bet and political leadership, incorrectly placed Hamas at the bottom of the priority list, assuming the organization did not desire war. Halevi stated that Hamas invested significant effort in fostering this misperception. He also disclosed that late on October 7th, Israel delivered a stern message to Hezbollah to prevent the war from expanding northward, warning of a severe response if Lebanon made even a small move.