Following IDF chief's lead, Southern Command head says he too plans to resign over responsibility for failures ahead of Oct. 7

The head of the IDF Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, has notified Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi that he intends to resign from the military.

Finkleman cites his responsibility for the IDF’s failures in the lead-up to the October 7, 2023, onslaught as the reason for his resignation.

The announcement comes after Halevi announced he would resign in March.

Finkelman’s resignation letter reads as follows (translated from the Hebrew):

Commander,

Following my conscience and the values that guide me, I have decided to conclude my tenure as Commander of the Southern Command and my service in the IDF.

On October 7, I failed in my duty to protect the Western Negev and its beloved, heroic residents.

This failure is seared within me for life.

Out of responsibility to the State of Israel, to the residents of the Gaza envelope — so dear and precious to me — to the IDF and to my soldiers, I have since led the war against Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.

I had the privilege of commanding, in this war, extraordinary commanders, warriors, and soldiers — the victory generation. Their fighting will be recorded as chapters of heroism and excellence in the history of the IDF and the State of Israel.

With deep sorrow, I will forever carry in my heart the memory of the fallen — our finest sons and daughters, courageous in spirit and action. We will walk in their legacy, and I will always stand with the bereaved families.

I also carry with me our wounded, in their pain and in their inspiring struggle for recovery and health.

In this war, we have inflicted a severe blow on Hamas. The mission is not yet complete!

We must continue to strike the enemy, bring all our hostages home, and restore the communities to their land, to security, and to prosperity.

Commander, I thank you for your true partnership in times of ultimate trial, and for your steadfast and principled leadership.

I will continue my mission for as long as I am needed.

Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman
Commander, Southern Command