The Israeli military intelligence chief has resigned, citing responsibility for the failures leading up to Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Major General Aharon Haliva’s retirement once they choose his successor.
In a letter, he admitted that his intelligence directorate “did not meet the expectations placed upon us.”
His resignation marks the first senior figure to step down in the aftermath of the deadliest attack in Israel’s history.
Before the assault, Israeli military and intelligence officials reportedly disregarded or missed numerous warnings, allowing hundreds of Hamas gunmen to breach the Gaza border fence and launch attacks on nearby Israeli communities, military bases, and a music festival. The attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 Israelis and foreigners, mostly civilians, with 253 others taken hostage and brought back to Gaza.
Israel responded by launching its most intense war in Gaza, with the aim of dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Consequently, the conflict has claimed over 34,000 Palestinian lives, predominantly children and women, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Additionally, an IDF statement indicated that Maj Gen Haliva had “requested to step down,” acknowledging leadership responsibility for the events of October 7.
In his resignation letter, he expressed profound remorse, stating, “I carry the weight of that fateful day with me constantly.” The anguish of the war will remain with me forever.”
He urged the establishment of a state commission to thoroughly investigate the factors contributing to the events.
Maj Gen Haliva’s previous declaration of full responsibility for the intelligence lapses anticipated his resignation. Following his departure, Israeli military and intelligence leaders are expected to resign, acknowledging errors preceding October 7.
Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar admitted responsibility for Israeli protection failures. They chose to stay.
Their decision contrasts with Maj Gen Haliva’s resignation, reflecting different approaches to accountability amid crisis.
Maj Gen Haliva’s resignation increases pressure on PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who shifts blame onto security chiefs, evading responsibility.
Netanyahu has proposed delaying a full inquiry until after the Gaza war concludes.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, on X (formerly Twitter), hailed Maj Gen Haliva’s resignation as “justified and honorable,” urging Netanyahu to emulate.
Netanyahu conveyed sadness for 133 hostages in Gaza, lamenting their absence from the Passover Seder table in a video statement.
Netanyahu accused Hamas of imposing stricter conditions for a hostage release agreement and pledged to intensify military and diplomatic pressure. He reiterated plans for Israeli forces to undertake an operation in Rafah but didn’t specify future actions.
US and UN warn against assaulting Rafah, where 1.5 million displaced Palestinians seek refuge, citing potential catastrophic consequences.
Follow us on Socials: