Outgoing IDF chief warns against ‘rushing forward without discernment’

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi speaks at a graduation ceremony for cadets in the IDF Ground Forces officers' course, February 23, 2025. (Screen capture via YouTube, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi speaks at a graduation ceremony for cadets in the IDF Ground Forces officers' course, February 23, 2025. (Screen capture via YouTube, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

Speaking at a ceremony earlier today, outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi tells graduating cadets that rushing forward with no plan will not bring success, in apparent veiled criticism aimed at some in Israel’s political leadership.

“The way to bring about achievements, especially in a war, is not to gallop like unbridled horses, rushing forward without discernment and without a precise goal,” Halevi says.

“Anyone who thinks that the sole purpose of a combat commander is to gallop forward will have to bear the consequences and be responsible for the consequences,” he says.

Halevi tells the graduating cadets that they should act like cavalry, “standing tall, holding the reins, and leading wisely into new challenges.”

“If you fall, return to the reins and continue better than you were,” he adds.

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