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NY Gov Hochul weighs decision to remove Mayor Adams

Governor Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., met with “key leaders” in New York City on Tuesday to discuss the “path forward” for Mayor Eric Adams, D-N.Y., following a slew of City Hall resignations after the Justice Department dropped bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy charges against Adams last week.

Protesters gathered outside Hochul’s Manhattan office during her meetings on Tuesday, chanting: “Governor Hochul, fight back, remove Eric Adams.”

City Hall sources tell Fox News that Hochul met with the City’s Inability Committee as pressure mounts for Hochul to use her constitutional powers to remove Adams. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, City Comptroller Brad Lander, Rev. Al Sharpton and other community leaders met with Hochul this afternoon.

Lander, a 2025 mayoral candidate, told Fox News he discussed with Hochul whether Adams could even do his job anymore, given the controversy surrounding his office and the logistical imperative of four deputy mayor resignations.

NY GOV. HOCHUL TO MEET WITH ‘KEY LEADERS’ TO DISCUSS ‘PATH FORWARD’ AMID ERIC ADAMS TURMOIL

Governor Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., is considering the “path forward” for Mayor Eric Adams, D-N.Y., after four deputy mayors resigned following the Justice Department dropping bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy charges against him. (Getty/AP)

“I do think the mayor should resign,” Lander said outside Hochul’s office on Tuesday. “The mayor is not able, in my opinion, to devote his full-time and attention to the needs of New Yorkers.”

NY JUDGE ORDERS ERIC ADAMS, TRUMP DOJ OFFICIALS TO COURT OVER MOTION TO DISMISS CORRUPTION CHARGES

Sharpton, the civil rights activist, said he is also concerned with Adams’ ability to govern, telling Fox News Hochul will continue to deliberate with city leaders and see what the judge decides tomorrow.

U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho ordered a status conference on Wednesday to discuss why the Justice Department filed a motion to drop indictment charges against Adams on Friday. Adams has maintained his innocence throughout legal proceedings, claiming the trial was politically motivated.

“Despite our pleas, when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target — and a target I became,” Adams said following his indictment on Sept. 27, 2024.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul presents her 2025 executive state budget in the Red Room at the state Capitol on Jan. 16, 2024, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)

Adams was critical of President Joe Biden’s handling of the migrant crisis, particularly as New York City struggled to keep up with the busloads of migrants entering the city’s overwhelmed shelter system. Adams said opposition to Biden’s leadership on the migrant crisis made him a target of political persecution.

Adams’ chief campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs’ home was raided in connection to Adams’ indictment charges in Nov. 2023. Adams was on his way to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with Biden White House officials to discuss the migrant crisis when news of the raid broke. Adams canceled his meetings and abruptly returned to New York City before those meetings could happen.

“Through all the negative headlines, rumors and criticism, I have remained clear: I’m not stepping down, I’m stepping UP. No matter what you read, no matter what you see – they may want to fight me, but I’m always fighting for you,” Adams said on Sunday.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a news conference outside Gracie Mansion, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in New York. The Mayor has been indicted after an investigation into campaign corruption. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)

Adams, who has developed a relationship with Trump and held private meetings with the president down in West Palm Beach, met with Trump’s border czar Tom Homan on Friday. Homan and Adams sat for a joint interview with Fox & Friends to discuss their plans to crackdown on illegal immigration in New York City.

Homan said he would hold Adams to his commitments, telling Fox & Friends: “If he doesn’t come through, I’ll be back in New York City, and we won’t be sitting on the couch. I’ll be in his office, up his butt, saying, ‘Where the hell is the agreement we came to?’”

New York City leaders did not appreciate the remark, questioning on Tuesday if Adams’ was still aligned with their views on immigration.

“I’m very concerned that Mr. Homan came in here and acted like he could make Adams do what he wants, or he’d be up his butt. I can’t believe someone would say that on national television,” Sharpton said.

“It’s one straightforward test of where his loyalties lie: with New Yorkers or with Donald Trump?” Lander added.

Mayor Eric Adams and border czar Tom Homan joined “Fox & Friends” together to discuss their recent meeting on border security and policies. (Getty Images/Photo illustration)

In Dec. 2024, Trump said he would “look at” a pardon for Adams, claiming he was “treated pretty unfairly” by federal prosecutors and compared Adams’ indictment to his own “political persecution.”

As Hochul decides whether to remove Adams as mayor, she said the “alleged conduct at City Hall” over the past two weeks cannot be ignored.

Fox News contributor Byron York questioned why Hochul would choose now to consider removing Adams as mayor. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a lawsuit last week against Hochul for allowing illegal immigrants to obtain a driver’s license and restricting the DMV from releasing their information to immigration authorities without a warrant.

Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Justice Department as attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

“She didn’t seek to remove him before he was indicted. Not after the indictment, either. But the prospect of Adams not resisting enforcement of federal immigration law is just too much,” Fox News contributor Byron York said in a post.

“The calls for Mayor Adams’ removal now reek of political maneuvering,” What has changed since September until now? Comptroller Brad Lander must recuse himself from any discussions on the mayor’s status, including any role in the Inability Committee if it convenes. These decisions must be free from political bias. I also urge the Department of Investigation and the Conflicts of Interest Board to examine Lander’s apparent misuse of city resources. Using official letterhead and staff to draft a politically charged letter that benefits his own mayoral ambitions is a clear abuse of public trust. New Yorkers deserve better.”

Hochul, who has the authority under New York State law to remove Adams as mayor, said the resignation of four deputy mayors in New York City on Monday raised “serious questions about the long-term future” of Adams’ administration.

“I recognize the immense responsibility I hold as governor and the constitutional powers granted to this office. In the 235 years of New York State history, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly-elected mayor; overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly. That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored,” Hochul said.

Eric Adams, mayor of New York, center, during the 60th presidential inauguration in Emancipation Hall of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Donald Trump’s Monday swearing-in marks just the second time in US history that a president lost the office and managed to return to power – a comeback cementing his place within the Republican Party as an enduring, transformational figure rather than a one-term aberration. (Al Drago/Pool via Reuters)

The deputy mayors submitted their resignations on Monday in the fallout of the Justice Department dropping Adams’ corruption case, leaving a gap in Adams’ governing ability. Torres-Springer served as First Deputy Mayor; Joshi as Deputy Mayor for Operations; Williams-Isom as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, and Chauncey Parker as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.

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“I spoke with First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer to express my gratitude for her years of service to New York City,” Hochul said. “She, along with Deputy Mayors Anne Williams-Isom, Meera Joshi and Chauncey Parker, have been strong partners with my Administration across dozens of key issues. If they feel unable to serve in City Hall at this time, that raises serious questions about the long-term future of this Mayoral administration.”

Fox News’ Kirill Clark and Kitty Le Claire contributed to this report.

Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
FAA weighs permanent helicopter restrictions around Washington-area airport

FOX Business’ Grady Trimble speaks with National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman about the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the D.C. plane crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is weighing plans to restrict helicopters from using the airspace around the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to ensure a deadly U.S. aviation accident like last month’s doesn’t happen again.

Senior FAA officials are considering a permanent restriction to keep helicopters away from commercial aircraft landing or taking off from the airport, sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.

It’s part of a long-term safety plan around the airport after a U.S. Army Black Hawk collided with an American Airlines regional jet Jan. 29 in what was the deadliest U.S. air disaster in more than 20 years. Both aircraft fell into the Potomac River after the collision. Sixty-seven people were killed.

RECOVERY EFFORTS UNDERWAY AFTER AMERICAN AIRLINES JET, MILITARY HELICOPTER COLLIDE MIDAIR NEAR DC

FOX Business reached out to the FAA for comment.

Days after the incident, the FAA, directed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, restricted helicopter traffic in the area over the Potomac River around Washington National Airport and stretching to the Wilson Bridge.

The FAA said these restrictions will remain in place until the National Transportation Safety Board completes its preliminary investigation of the incident, which is expected to happen in the coming weeks.

If police, medical or presidential transportation helicopters need to use the airspace, civilian planes are not allowed to be in the same area, according to an FAA advisory.

The NTSB will be closely evaluating evidence like cockpit communications, unique sound recordings, aileron positions, landing gear, altitude pitch, submerged electronics and debris and interviewing staff working with both aircraft.

EXPERT PUTS ONUS ON FAA FOR AMERICAN AIRLINES, HELICOPTER CRASH: ‘BAD MANAGEMENT’ IS ‘PUTTING US AT RISK’

Emergency personnel and divers work at the site of the crash after American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River outside Washington, D.C., Jan. (Reuters/Carlos Barria / Reuters)

Duffy said in a statement earlier this month he is specifically going to look into the operations at the air traffic control tower.

“Before this crash took place, you had a consolidation of two air traffic controller positions. One was for helicopters. One was for aircraft, for airplanes. Those positions were consolidated into one before this crash took place,” Duffy said.

“So, we’re going to look, I’m going to look at the policies and procedures inside the tower, why that happened. How did they get the authority? And we’re going to pull back that authority to make sure that we have the right policies in place inside our towers to make sure that when you fly, you’re safe.”

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A U.S. flag flies as search and rescue teams work in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River in Arlington, Va., Jan. 30, 2025. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters / Reuters)

Duffy has also criticized the operation of helicopters near the airport, saying, “We have to take a real look at the safety around this airspace and the airspace around the country. And, again, we can fly training missions at a different time of night.

“If we have generals who are flying in helicopters for convenience through this airspace, that’s unacceptable. Get in a damn Suburban and drive. You don’t need to take a helicopter.”

February 13, 2025
Hall of Famer Steve Young weighs in on Aaron Rodgers’ NFL future as possible divorce with Jets looms

Aaron Rodgers’ time in a New York Jets uniform could soon come to an end. It is “unlikely” the Jets will “move forward” with the four-time NFL MVP quarterback, FOX Sports reported earlier this week.

The report on Rodgers’ future surfaced shortly after the Jets brought in Aaron Glenn as the team’s next head coach and named Darren Mougey the general manager. Rodgers and the Jets divorcing could be a sign that Gang Green wants to go into the offseason with a clean slate.

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Steve Young looks on prior to a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)

If Rodgers’ stint in New York does officially reach an endpoint around the start of the NFL’s new league year in March, he will leave the Jets with 18 starts over two seasons. Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in the first week of the 2023 campaign.

JETS GAVE AARON RODGERS ULTIMATUM ON ‘PAT MCAFEE SHOW’ APPEARANCES: REPORT

While an unceremonious exit from the Jets could spark questions about whether the 41-year-old Rodgers will decide to step away from the NFL, Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young believes the quarterback still has the tools to be an effective player.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) waits for the snap of the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

“In today’s game, Tom Brady said it best. The flats are always open, the middle of the field is unpatrolled, and no one can hit me,” said Young during a recent appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show.”

“And by the way I make $50 million dollars. So I think that Aaron because he’s healthy a full year, look the mobility is down and everything else, but if he can get to a place that understands the position, has innovative mindsets of more and more places like that, that you can get to where you can take advantage of the new football that’s being played. If he can get to one of those spots I’m sure he’d still love to go play some great football, especially with a more innovative mind.”

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Rodgers threw 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions over 17 games in 2024. While Rodgers is much closer to the end of his career than he is to the beginning, he did have moments this past season where he played well.

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However, it remains unlikely that Rodgers will regain his MVP-caliber form. But with several NFL teams being in desperate need of competent quarterback play next season, Rodgers could draw interest if he does end up on the free agent market.

The Jets parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh in October and went on to finish with a 5-12 record.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 12, 2025
FOX Sports’ NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira weighs in on ref controversy ahead of Super Bowl LIX

The conspiracy about NFL referees helping the Kansas City Chiefs has been one of the main conversation topics leading up to Super Bowl LIX.

FOX Sports rules analyst and former vice president of officiating for the NFL, Mike Pereira, joined “Fox & Friends” on Friday to weigh in on the discussion.

“I mean I think I would say what [NFL Commissioner] Roger Goodell said, which I try not to use harsh words. I understand why they think that, because the numbers point that different and the iffy calls seem to have gone the Chiefs way, but to think that there is intent is really ridiculous and that’s the term that Roger used,” Pereira said.

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Fox Sports College and NFL rules expert Mike Pereira during a Fox Sports media party in advance of Super Bowl LIX. (Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)

“The officials are out just to manage the game, and they have to make decisions in one 26th of a second, and so they don’t have time to factor in who made the foul, what color the team is. And so really, I understand the concern but it really won’t affect the way they officiate this weekend.”

Pereira said the Chiefs were a great team and that they teach penalty prevention to their players. Their number of false starts is less, and penalties of that ilk the team works on eliminating.

Pereira talked about how NFL teams will prepare for crews, but it is a little bit different to prepare for the Super Bowl crew.

“You know this is different too, because teams do prepare for crews, but this is not a crew, this is an all-star crew. So they’ve come from seven different crews, so it’s kind of impossible to judge where they might lean,” Pereira said.

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

NFL referee Ron Torbert during the Cincinnati Bengals game against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Ron Torbert will be the head referee for Super Bowl LIX. He also was the lead referee for Super LVI, when the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals.

The umpire is Mike Morton, Max Causey is the down judge, Mark Stewart is the line judge, Mearl Robison is the field judge, Boris Cheek the side judge, Jonah Monroe the back judge and Kevin Brown is the replay official.

Cheek is the only other official with Super Bowl experience other than Torbert, as he has officiated in three other Super Bowls.

With so many referees in the NFL, Pereira said it was hard to expect exact consistency across all calls.

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Referee Carl Cheffers puts his hand on the back of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, #15, in the first quarter of the AFC Championship game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 26, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire)

“Look, the parity in terms of number of fouls called this year is closer than I think I’ve ever seen it before. But you have different, you have 128 people, they don’t have the same judgment. So it’s hard to teach consistency or to expect consistency all the way through.”

There is one thing Pereira wants to see from the officials in the big game.

“All I care is, you know what, is that they call in the fourth quarter the same way they call the way in the first quarter.”

With that being said, Pereira said he does not want to talk during the broadcast at all.

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Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

“I hope you don’t hear me, I hope you don’t see me! If I don’t mumble a word then that mean’s there is not a controversy,” Pereira said.

The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX, where the officiating will be closely monitored.

FOX’s Super Bowl coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET Sunday. Coverage can be streamed live on Tubi for the first time.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Bill Gates weighs in on new Trump administration, Elon Musk’s role

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, argues the current federal government is inefficient and not meeting the needs of the American people on Making Money.

Billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates opened up on his recent meeting with President Donald Trump and his thoughts on Elon Musk’s involvement with the new administration.

Gates was interviewed on NBC’s “Today” show on Tuesday and was asked by host Savannah Guthrie about his recent meeting with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss his philanthropic endeavors through the Gates Foundation, which aims to fight poverty and disease around the world.

“The Gates Foundation works on saving lives, and the U.S. government has been an incredible partner, buying HIV medicine to keep tens of millions of people alive. And there’s so much innovation that can be done, you know, a vaccine for HIV,” Gates said.

“So I went to see President Trump to say, ‘Look, we both believe in saving lives. What can we do to accelerate innovation?’” he explained. “With the COVID vaccine, he did accelerate the availability of that.”

MICROSOFT CO-FOUNDER BILL GATES ON DOGE: ‘COULD BE A VALUABLE THING’

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates discussed his recent meeting with President Trump in the interview. (Thierry Monasse/Rebecca Noble/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Guthrie asked if Gates felt like Trump was just placating him by saying he was receptive to the idea and whether he’s still hopeful after the president signed executive orders withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization and Elon Musk shutting down USAID.

“I’m still hopeful. I think all Americans can agree that keeping people alive for very little money, we should be proud of that. It started back with President [George W.] Bush. There’s some disruption going on now, and I want to engage positively to get things back on track,” the Microsoft co-founder said.

BILLIONAIRE BILL GATES DETAILS DINNER THAT LEFT HIM ‘IMPRESSED’ BY PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP

Guthrie asked Gates about his comments criticizing Musk’s involvement with far-right politicians overseas as being “insane s—” and whether he’s comfortable with Musk wielding power as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“Well I admire the great private sector stuff he’s done — you know, SpaceX, Tesla, both amazing companies. I think in the case of USAID, he doesn’t appreciate the phenomenal work that goes on. It’s not partisan work,” Gates said, noting its work on promoting nutrition around the world.

Gates also discussed Musk’s role with DOGE and his criticism of USAID. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

Guthrie noted that Musk said that USAID is “beyond repair,” and Gates responded that his philanthropic work has given him a closer perspective of the agency’s work, which Musk may not be fully aware of.

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“I give billions of dollars to the same thing that USAID does,” Gates said. “I go out in the field and study these things. I hire scientists, and so I think if he really knew the work there, he wouldn’t be telling 10,000 people to not come and do that work.”

February 4, 2025
JD Vance weighs in on deadly airliner accident during Fox Business interview

Vice President JD Vance sets the record straight with President Donald Trump’s approach to DEI and more during an appearance on ‘Sunday Morning Futures.’

Vice President J.D. Vance spoke about what he and President Trump believe contributed to the deadly mid-air collision over Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport this week in an exclusive interview on Fox Business’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” February 2nd.

In one of his first TV interviews since becoming the 50th Vice President of the United States last month, Vance spoke to host Maria Bartiromo about Trump’s second-term agenda as well as the major crises the administration has had to tackle only days into the presidency – including the deadly plane crash that claimed 67 lives earlier this week.

“There is a very direct connection between the policies of the last administration and short-staffed air traffic controllers. That has to stop,” Vance told the Fox Business host.

CHILLING AUDIO REVEALS FINAL MOMENTS BEFORE PHILADELPHIA PLANE CRASH

Vice President J.D. Vance speaks to Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo in an interview that appears on “Sunday Morning Futures” tomorrow. (Fox Business / FOXBusiness)

Bartiromo asked Vance about Trump mentioning progressive DEI policies in relation to the crash between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that crossed its flight path on Wednesday night.

In a Thursday press conference concerning the crash, Trump targeted DEI standards at the Federal Aviation Administration as contributing the crash, stating, “We have to have our smartest people. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they speak, who they are. What matters is intellect, talent. The word ‘talent.’ They have to be talented geniuses. We can’t have regular people doing that job. They won’t be able to do it.”

Bartiromo gave Vance a chance to elaborate on Trump’s statements.

“So the president’s been very clear about this. This is not saying that the person who was at the controls is a DEI hire. But let’s just say, first of all, we should investigate everything, but let’s just say the person at the controls didn’t have enough staffing around him or her because we were turning people away because of DEI reasons,” he told the host.

DC PLANE CRASH INVESTIGATORS RECOVER AMERICAN AIRLINES BLACK BOXES AFTER MIDAIR COLLISION

A screenshot from an EarthCam appears to show the moment an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines jet at Reagan Washington National Airport. ((Credit: EarthCam) (EarthCam))

The vice president also slammed the media for grilling Trump over his suggestion. “And by the way, it’s so funny to me the media has picked up on this. Not you, of course, Maria, but others have picked up on this. The president made very clear that he wasn’t blaming anybody, but he was being very explicit about the fact that DEI policies have led our air traffic controllers to be short-staffed.”

“That is a scandal. Thankfully, it’s a scandal that the president has stopped,” Vance added.

Elsewhere in the interview, Bartiromo asked Vance what his political ambitions are after the vice presidency. “You’re one of the youngest vice presidents that we’ve ever seen in the history of our country. Are you expecting to run for president in three and a half years?”

“Maria, you’re the first person who’s asked me that,” Vance replied. Viewers can catch Vance’s full answer when it premieres on “Sunday Morning Futures” tomorrow.

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February 1, 2025
Israeli military chief steps down over October. 7 Hamas massacre: ‘weighs on me everyday’

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, announced his resignation Tuesday, taking responsibility for the military’s failures during the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks.

His departure, set for March 2025, marks the end of a decorated four-decade military career and has ignited political turmoil, with opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling on the Israeli leader to step down.

“On the morning of October 7, the IDF under my command failed in its mission to protect Israel’s citizens. This failure weighs on me every day and will do so for the rest of my life,” Halevi wrote in his resignation letter, addressing the IDF’s failure during the unprecedented assault by Hamas, which left over 1,400 Israelis dead and dozens abducted.

Despite the October 7 tragedy, Halevi highlighted the IDF’s achievements under his leadership, including operations that weakened Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran’s regional influence. “The IDF managed to rise from a very challenging starting point to conduct intense combat over more than a year and three months across seven theaters of operation,” he stated. “The military achievements of the IDF have transformed the Middle East.”

BITTERSWEET REJOICING AS FIRST HOSTAGES RETURN TO ISRAEL AFTER 471 DAYS IN CAPTIVITY

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi holds a situational assessment and discussion with reserve commanders on the Lebanese border. (IDF Spokesman’s Unit)

Halevi said, “The objectives of the war have not yet been fully achieved. The IDF will continue fighting to dismantle Hamas’s governing capabilities, secure the return of all hostages, and strengthen security conditions to ensure the safe return of residents to their homes.” He emphasized that his resignation followed the cease-fire and a new deal for hostage returns.

Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Halevi for his service in a statement from his office: “The Prime Minister thanked the Chief of Staff for his many years of service and leadership during the War of Revival across seven fronts, which brought significant achievements to the State of Israel.” Defense Minister Israel Katz also praised Halevi’s contributions, noting, “He will continue to fulfill his duties and oversee an orderly transition process until the end of his tenure.”

Halevi’s resignation marks the most significant exit from Israel’s security establishment in the wake of the events of Oct. 7. Netanyahu has declined to take responsibility for those failures, repeatedly stating that accountability will come only after the war.

ISRAEL, HAMAS CEASE-FIRE DEAL COULD ENABLE REARMING OF GAZA TERRORISTS

Memorials at the site of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, Israel, on May 27, 2024. (Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Opposition leaders used Halevi’s resignation to escalate criticism of Netanyahu. Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated, “I salute Lieutenant General Halevi for his integrity. Now it’s time for the Prime Minister and his disastrous government to take responsibility and resign.” Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz echoed this, calling Halevi’s decision ethical and commendable. “The government must follow his example and establish a state commission of inquiry to restore public trust,” he added. Avigdor Lieberman also urged Netanyahu and his cabinet to step down.

To date, the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of Oct. 7 has not been approved by the Israeli government. Knesset member Orit Farkash-Hacohen announced that she will submit a bill on Wednesday to establish such a commission, following the resignation of the IDF chief of staff.

Families of Oct. 7 victims demanded accountability from both the military and government, calling for a state inquiry. “We will not rest until a commission is established to prevent future disasters,” they said in a statement.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday held meetings at Mount Hermon with senior defense and security officials. (IDF)

Halevi’s resignation adds to pressure on Netanyahu, whose government faces historically low approval from the public, according to recent opinion polls.

Speculation over Halevi’s successor has already begun, with leading candidates including Eyal Zamir, the current director-general of the Ministry of Defense who previously served as deputy chief of staff under former Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. Other candidates for the position include Northern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin and the current deputy chief of staff, Amir Baram, who reportedly asked Halevi to step down several weeks ago.

January 23, 2025