Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), took responsibility for the killing of three Israeli hostages by IDF troops in Gaza. The hostages were accidentally shot as they approached soldiers holding a white flag.
“The incident in which IDF soldiers mistakenly killed Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samar Talalka is a difficult and painful event,” Halevi acknowledged in a video statement.
The three hostages who survived seventy hellish days, moved towards the IDF soldiers, and were killed by our forces’ fire.”
Halevi explained that the three civilians “did everything so that we would understand [they posed no threat]: They moved without shirts so that we would not suspect them of carrying a bomb on their bodies, and held a white cloth so that we would understand.”
However, he confessed, “The shooting at the hostages was carried out contrary to the open-fire regulations. It is forbidden to shoot at those who raise a white flag and ask to surrender. But this shooting was carried out during combat and under pressure.”
Taking Full Responsibility
As IDF Chief overseeing Gaza operations, Halevi stated, “I, as its commander, are responsible for what happened.
He continued, “We will do everything to prevent the recurrence of such cases in the continuation of the fighting.”
Halevi said he tries to put himself in the shoes of the soldiers on the ground in Gaza, operating under intense pressure. However, he acknowledged that ultimately, “a split-second decision can [result in] life or death.” The wrong decision was fatally made in this case.
Implementing Changes to Prevent Repeats
Halevi noted the IDF has completed an initial investigation into the friendly fire incident and has already updated protocols to prevent repeats.
“We informed the families of the difficult findings and published them transparently to the public,” he said.
However, Halevi argued ongoing offensive operations remain imperative, despite tragic cases like this. “It is the fighting that brings the opportunities for the return of the hostages,” he stated.
Without fierce combat putting pressure on militant groups, he indicated, hostage rescue attempts through negotiations fail.
Our troops have been fighting for seventy days in Gaza and on the other fronts, with bravery and determination to defend [Israel],” Halevi said. “Without the determined fighting, we will not be able to return the hostages.”
More Hostages Could Emerge
Halevi concluded by warning there could be additional cases of hostages escaping in the fog of war.
“We have the duty and responsibility to rescue them alive,” he stated.
The killing of three civilians seeking rescue while clearly signalling surrender has added intense scrutiny on IDF conduct in Gaza after 70 days of conflict.
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi is taking full accountability as IDF Chief. However, he maintains ongoing combat is the only path to hostage rescue, possibly prioritizing continued action over preventing cases of accidental deaths.
