Israel Promotes Generals Amid Controversy Over Devastating October Hamas Attack

TheIsrael Defense Forces(IDF) has announced the promotion of five generals to senior roles, including Brig. Gen. Gen. Shlomi Binder to head the Military Intelligence Directorate, despite fierce opposition from lawmakers citing failures in the devastating October 7 Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis. The appointments, approved by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. The appointments, approved by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, come as Israel struggles to cope with the aftermath of its worst security failure in years.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding the IDF promotions has far-reaching implications for Israel's national security and public trust in its military leadership. The controversy surrounding the IDF promotions has far-reaching implications for Israel's national security and public trust in its military leadership. The ability of the IDF to learn from its mistakes and implement effective reforms will be vital in preventing future attacks and maintaining stability in the region.

On that fateful day, some 3,000 Palestinian terrorists stormed the Gaza border, overwhelming IDF defenses. The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 253 Israelis. IDF bases closest to the border were overrun, with the chain of command seemingly broken. At the Nahal Oz base alone, 66 soldiers were killed and several others taken hostage when hundreds of Hamas terrorists breached the perimeter.

Shockingly, a routine inspection carried out just three days before the attack revealed that nearly all of the IDF's posts along the Gaza border had failed readiness assessments. The inspection at Nahal Oz found that troops had failed to prevent unauthorized entry, secure the ammunition room, and protect sensitive material. These lapses proved catastrophic when the base was overrun on October 7.

In light of these devastating failures, the IDF promotions have sparked fierce criticism. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir openly questioned Defense Minister Gallant's mandate to approve the appointments, stating, "How can a Chief of Staff who failed himself make decisions about the future of the General Staff?" Ben Gvir accused Gallant of "total disregard for the public" and called for his removal by Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Other lawmakers argued that the military should not make such changes amid the ongoing conflict and that senior officers should not be promoted until the IDF completes its probes into the October 7 failures. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated, "Regardless of the identity of the officers, the appointments of IDF major generals who will lead the correction of the army after the failures cannot be made by the chief of staff whose name is signed on the military failures."

The IDFis currently conducting internal probes to draw operational conclusions from the October 7 debacle. The findings are expected to be presented to Lt. Gen. Halevi by early June. However, external investigations, including one by State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman, have been put on hold following protests from government leaders.

The controversy surrounding the IDF promotions highlights the deep divisions and lack of confidence in the military leadership following Israel's worst security failure in years. With Hamas continuing to pose a serious threat and tensions running high, the newly promoted generals face an uphill battle to restore public trust and shore up the IDF's defenses along the volatile Gaza border.

Key Takeaways

• IDF promotes 5 generals, including Brig. Gen. Shlomi Binder, despite criticism over October 7 Hamas attack.
• The attack killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 253, exposing IDF's security failures.
• Pre-attack inspection revealed IDF posts along Gaza border had failed readiness assessments.
• Lawmakers criticize promotions, citing lack of accountability and public trust in military leadership.
• IDF internal probes ongoing, but external investigations delayed due to government protests.