'I have authority to deploy and appoint': IDF Chief Herzi Halevi counters Smotrich

IDF Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, addressed Economy Minister Bezalel Smotrich's proposal to cease new appointments within the army command, attributing it to the failure of the events on October 7, 2023.

"As the commander of the armed forces, I have the authority to deploy individuals into battle and, naturally, to appoint them. The IDF is Israel's largest organization engaged in warfare, and it's imperative to ensure continuity of leadership. Decisions are made within the General Staff forum and require approval from the Minister of Defense," he stated.

The general underscored his responsibility for both the events of October 7 and the ongoing war.

"We acknowledged from the outset that October 7 was a failure on our part. However, our focus now must be on the ongoing war and how to achieve its objectives," he remarked in response to inquiries about his potential resignation.

Addressing the potential elimination of Hamas's military wing leader, Marwan Issa, for the first time, the Chief of the General Staff indicated that the recent strike had achieved its intended outcome.

"The operation targeting the Nuseirat camp was executed with precision and complexity. Last week's strike targeted the group's senior leadership. This marks a significant success for the IDF," he affirmed.