Three Israeli hostages were released as part of a cease-fire agreement with Hamas. They were seen carrying paper bags with the organization’s logo. Inside the bags were a map of Gaza, photos from their time in captivity, and certificates of their release, as reported by Hebrew-language media.
The hostages, Emily Damari, Romi Goren, and Doron Steinbrecher, were all victims of kidnapping by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attacks. After more than 15 months in captivity, they were finally able to return to Israel and reunite with their families.
Following their return, there was an announcement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) leadership about a change in command. Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, revealed his resignation and expressed his desire to step down from his position later this year.
“I informed the Minister of Defense today (Tuesday) that by virtue of my recognition of my responsibility for the IDF’s failure on October 7th, and at a time when the IDF has significant achievements and is in the process of implementing the agreement to release our hostages, I have requested to leave my role on March 6th, 2025,” Halevi said in a statement released by the IDF.
“Until then, I will complete the IDF’s inquiries into the events of October 7th and strengthen the IDF’s readiness for security challenges.”
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said “I would like to express my appreciation to the Chief of Staff and thank him for his contribution to the IDF throughout his years of service as a fighter and as a commander, and for his part in the great achievements of the IDF in the difficult war that was forced upon us.”
Netanyahu also commended Halevi on his years of service and credited him for some of the country’s “great achievements.”
