‘We Didn’t Succeed: IDF Chief Takes Responsibility For Deaths Of 3 Israeli Hostages

Following the deaths of three Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip on Friday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, in his first statement, said he took full responsibility for the event and that th e IDF will do everything to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The IDF killed three hostages by mistake during its campaign in Gaza after they were misidentified as a threat.

The deceased were identified as Yotam Haim, 28, Samer Talalka, 22, and Alon Shamriz, 26. In a video statement, Halevi said, ‘may their memory be blessed; it is a difficult and painful event.’

“The three hostages who survived seventy hellish days moved towards the IDF soldiers and were killed by our forces’ fire,” he said, according to The Times Of Israel.

“There is nothing that the IDF soldiers and their commanders in the Gaza Strip want more than to rescue hostages alive,” he said. “We did not succeed in this case. We feel the deep sorrow of the families for the deaths of the hostages,” Halevi added.

According to the news report, Halevi says that “the IDF, and I as its commander, are responsible for what happened, and we will do everything to prevent the recurrence of such cases in the continuation of the fighting.”

Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi:

“The incident in which IDF soldiers accidentally killed Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz, and Samer El-Talalka, is a difficult and painful event. The three hostages, who survived 70 days of hell, moved toward IDF soldiers and… pic.twitter.com/ybybIfiFMG

— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) December 16, 2023

He mentioned that he tries to put himself in the shoes of the soldier in Shejaiya, someone who has undergone days of intense combat, facing close encounters and dealing with terrorists disguised in civilian attire, “who arrive in various deceitful ways.” It’s crucial for the soldier to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential threat in such circumstances.

“A split-second decision can [result in] life or death,” Halevi says.

The three hostages were seen carrying white flags as they emerged several meters away from Israeli forces in an area of intense combat in northern Gaza. This region is known for the presence of Hamas militants who often operate using deceptive tactics.

Yotam Haim was kidnapped by Hamas from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7; on the morning of the Hamas attack, he called his family and informed them that his house was on fire. When he opened the window for some fresh air, he was kidnapped by Hamas. He was a musician.

Alon Shamriz was also at Kfar Aza at the time of the attack. Samer Talalka, a Bedouin, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am. He called his sister after the attack to tell her that he had been injured by gunfire. Speaking to local media, Talalka’s father said that he lost touch at 07:00 local time on the morning of the attacks. 

“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,” Halevi said.”