Halevi: ‘We must learn from Be’eri residents’ heroism, they prevented an even greater disaster’

Speaking at a ceremony for graduates of the IDF’s officers school, military Herzi Halevi comments on the IDF’s probe into the October 7 massacres at Kibbutz Be’eri ahead of its upcoming release this evening.

“We all must learn from the heroism of Be’eri’s residents, security squad and additional citizens, who with their bodies defended their families and kibbutz members for many hours when we did not arrive to defend them,” Halevi says. “Their determination prevented an even greater disaster.”

Halevi vows the army will learn from its mistakes during the fighting on October 7, saying, “We really admire all those who fought and know that in a difficult reality, mistakes also happen.”

Turning to the graduating officers, he tells them “to take upon yourselves our responsibility” to help rebuild the Gaza border communities devastated during the Hamas-led onslaught, adding that having soldiers and residents of the area work together “is the true victory.”

He then turns to the hot-button issue of ultra-Orthodox enlistment, vowing the army will work to integrate these soldiers and “know to respect their faith.”