Our achievements ‘don’t erase failure of October 7’, admits Israeli army Chief of Staff

Israeli Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said that the security achievements realized by Israel do not erase the failure that occurred on October 7, nor do they diminish “our responsibility for it.”

Zamir’s remarks came during a speech at a ceremony commemorating the events of October 7, 2023, held at the Zikim base near the Gaza Strip border, according to The Times of Israel.

He stated: “Three years ago, on the holiday of Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah), the Israeli army failed in its mission to protect the citizens of Israel; Hamas terrorists infiltrated residential communities and military bases, committing massacres and abductions, and leaving behind massive destruction.”

The Israeli Chief of Staff added, “Three years have passed, and Israel now faces a different security reality. Our commanders and fighters—whether in the regular army or the reserves—have fought on all fronts and achieved significant results. Yet, these achievements, which have altered the reality on the ground, do not erase the failure of October 7, nor do they diminish our responsibility for it.”

“This responsibility demands not only that we remember, but also that we change,” he said, adding, “Stemming from this bitter failure and grave lapse, we must lead the path toward rebuilding and strengthening the nation.”