"Israel will achieve its goals in the war in Gaza, even though it knows it will pay for it"

Halevi pointed out that he felt obliged to provide answers to the families of the fallen soldiers, The Times of Israel reported.

"As the commander of the Israel Defense Forces during the war, I bear responsibility for the fact that the IDF failed in its mission to protect the citizens of the State of Israel on October 7. Every day I feel its weight on my shoulders and in my heart I fully understand its meaning," said Halevi.

Halevi pointed out that he, as a commander, sent soldiers into battles from which they did not return.

"I didn't know all the fallen soldiers, but I will never forget them," said Halevi.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Halevi attended a ceremony marking the Day of Remembrance for fallen soldiers and victims of terror next to the Western Wall, in the Old City of Jerusalem.