A significant poll conducted by the Misgav Institute reveals a troubling trend among Israeli reserve soldiers regarding their confidence in Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. According to the findings, a staggering 58% of reserve soldiers express a lack of faith in Halevi's leadership. This sentiment is particularly pronounced, with 49% of respondents advocating for his immediate resignation. The survey, which included 574 reserve soldiers, also highlighted that 28% believe Halevi should only resign once the ongoing conflict concludes, while 12% prefer he remains until all military investigations into the October 7 attack are finalized.
The call for Halevi's resignation isn't a new phenomenon; senior reserve soldiers had previously urged him to step down last June, during a time when military operations in Rafah appeared promising. However, as the situation in the Gaza Strip has evolved, so too has the perception of Halevi's capability to lead effectively. The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper had forecasted earlier this year that Halevi and other high-ranking officers might resign, following a series of failures attributed to the military's intelligence operations.
Tensions within the Israeli military's upper echelons have also come to light, with reports of heated exchanges between Halevi and senior generals. These discussions have often revolved around the army's lack of decisive action in Gaza and the significant losses incurred during the conflict. As the situation develops, the confidence of reserve soldiers in the military leadership continues to wane, raising questions about the future of Halevi's position and the broader implications for the Israeli Defense Forces.
