Eyal Zamir said the army failed in its central mission to protect Israeli citizens. In a statement marking the third anniversary of the Hamas attack, he called for an investigation and implementation of its lessons.
He paid tribute to civilians killed, soldiers who fell, hostages and members of security and rescue services. Zamir also praised reservists, alert teams and civilians who responded during the attacks. He said the army should identify threats before they develop and prevent Israel’s adversaries from building strength unchecked.
Two state memorial ceremonies were scheduled for the day at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. The first, organized by the Defense Ministry, was set for 11 a.m. A second ceremony for victims of hostile actions was due at 2 p.m. Attendance required advance registration.