Israel’s military has dismissed three generals and taken disciplinary measures against several senior officers for failing to stop the October 2023 Hamas assault, the deadliest attack the country has ever faced.
The announcement follows military chief Eyal Zamir’s call two weeks ago for a “systemic investigation” into the lapses that allowed the assault to occur.
His call came as the government continued to delay the creation of a state commission of inquiry despite mounting public demand.
Among those removed are three divisional commanders, including a former military intelligence chief.
According to a statement issued by the army on Sunday, all three hold personal responsibility for the armed forces’ inability to thwart the Hamas offensive from the Gaza Strip.
The generals had previously stepped down from their positions, but the new action formalises their dismissal.
The military also imposed disciplinary measures on the heads of the navy and air force, as well as on four additional generals and a number of senior officers.
Earlier in the month, a committee of experts appointed by Zamir released a report concluding the army’s internal review of the October 7 attacks.
The report highlighted “long-standing systemic and organisational failure” within the military and underscored an “intelligence failure” rooted in the army’s “inability to raise the alarm” despite having “exceptional, high-quality information.”
It further criticised “deficient decision-making processes and force deployment during the night of October 7, 2023,” noting shortcomings throughout the military’s chain of command.
