Fmr. IDF chief Herzi Halevi, the tragic unsung hero I know - comment

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi is characterized as a "tragic, unsung hero" whose significant military accomplishments are overshadowed by the failures of the October 7, 2023, invasion.

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Herzi Halevi is a tragic, unsung hero.

Despite leading the IDF during the worst Israeli defeat since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, which led to his resignation in March 2025, Halevi's tenure included notable successes. The article details his extensive career, highlighting his command during operations that defeated Hamas in northern Gaza, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, and killed Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. He also led operations against Hezbollah and destroyed Iran's advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems.

However, these achievements are often overshadowed by the "horrible stain of October 7." The author contends that Halevi has not publicly defended his record in over a year, possibly due to being a better general than a public relations manager.

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Tragic, because he was the IDF chief during which the October 7, 2023, invasion happened on his watch, leading to the worst Israeli defeat since the 1973 Yom Kippur War and leading him to resign in March 2025, about a year earlier than the standard three-year term.

A forthcoming book, "In The War Room," co-authored by the article's writer, aims to provide a nuanced portrayal of Halevi and other decision-makers. The author expresses concern that parts of the book critical of Halevi might be selectively used, while positive aspects are ignored, especially with upcoming Israeli elections where leaders may seek to diminish others' credit by labeling them complete failures.

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Hero, because he was a top level special forces commando for years, then a commander of the special forces, then a forward commander during the 2008-9 invasion who was prevented from dealing Hamas a larger blow in Rafah by political-diplomatic considerations, then head of IDF intelligence and the southern command, then deputy chief - and then the IDF chief who beat Hamas in northern Gaza, Khan Yunis, and Rafah in three successive invasions from October 2023-summer 2024 including killing Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, bludgeoned Hezbollah from September-November fall 2024 including killing Hassan Nasrallah, destroyed Iran's most advanced Russian S-300 anti aircraft missile systems in October 2024, and planned the Rising Lion operation from October 2024-March 2025 (including rebuilding much of the air force's strike capabilities even prior to October 2023.)

The piece suggests that many political figures in the upcoming elections have blamed Halevi for October 7th for years, and will likely continue to do so to bolster their own standing. The author believes it is time to acknowledge Halevi's complex legacy beyond the immediate shadow of the October 7th attacks.

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Unsung, because that long list of his accomplishments will be forever (or at least for the coming years) overshadowed by the horrible stain of October 7.