Israeli army chief admits military failed to prevent Oct. 7 attacks

JERUSALEM

Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi admitted Tuesday that the military failed to prevent the surprise attack launched by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Over the past few days, there has been a dialogue about the army's conduct regarding the events preceding Oct. 7, Halevi said in a statement.

“Given the disastrous results, this is self-evident we will be held accountable, and we will listen to each and every one of our soldiers to benefit from their ideas,” he added.

Thorough and in-depth investigations will be conducted, he said and added: “But now we must focus on the fighting.”

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border surprise attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

It has since killed more than 15,000 Palestinians, including 6,150 children and more than 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.

*Writing bb Ziad Aslan