IDF Chief of Staff Cites 'Will Be Fine' Culture as Factor in October 7 Failures

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir identified a "will be fine" culture as one of the reasons for the failures leading up to the October 7th attacks. Speaking at an event commemorating the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, Zamir urged IDF commanders to adopt a different approach, stating, "Do not say 'it will be fine,' say 'I am responsible.'"

Zamir's remarks came during a discussion with members of the General Staff Forum and students at the Alon Command and Staff College, which focused on leadership and responsibility, inspired by Rabin's 1992 speech. The discussion emphasized command values, accountability for soldiers' lives and mission execution, professionalism, initiative, and personal example.

Reflecting on Rabin's legacy, Zamir noted that Rabin dedicated his life to Israel's security and future, carrying responsibility from his Palmach days to commanding the IDF. He stressed that military leadership requires professionalism, judgment, courage, and determination, urging commanders to know their forces and the enemy, listen, examine assumptions, and make decisions.

"One of the reasons for the events of October 7th was the flawed 'will be fine' culture that Rabin warned against," Zamir stated. He emphasized that commanders must feel the full weight of their responsibility and constantly work to fulfill it.

Zamir also praised the Israeli soldiers' bravery and determination since October 7th, highlighting their sense of mission and mutual camaraderie regardless of social or ethnic background. He concluded by addressing Rabin's assassination as a deep wound in the nation's history, obligating a complete rejection of violence in Israeli society to resolve disputes. He called for integrating these lessons into daily command and future decisions for the sake of national security and the entire Israeli society.