Israel’s military intelligence chief resigned

Last Updated on April 22, 2024 11:34 am

Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence agency, has announced his resignation. However, he will serve until a new intelligence chief is appointed, according to a statement from the Israeli military on Monday.

He resigned after accepting responsibility for the intelligence failure in the attack on Israel on October 7 by Hamas, the ruling group of Palestinian freedom fighters in the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s military said in a statement on Monday that the head of the military’s intelligence department resigned on October 7, taking responsibility for the failure of an unprecedented attack by Hamas.

The statement also said that in discussions with the Chief of General Staff, Major General Aharon Haliva called for his term of office to expire. As the head of the Intelligence Directorate, he made this call by admitting his failure in the October 7 Hamas attack.

Major General Aharon Haliva has decided to end his term of office and retire from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The new chief of military intelligence will be appointed as per the norms and professionalism process.

Before that, on October 7 of last year, hundreds of Hamas fighters crossed the border into Israel and attacked various installations without any obstacles. In that attack, at least 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 250 people were taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza. Israel started the war in the Gaza Strip from the day of the attack by Hamas.

In his resignation letter, Gen. Aharon Haliva wrote, “The Directorate of Intelligence has not been able to properly perform the duties assigned to the command under my leadership.” I take responsibility for the failure of that dark day. I will forever bear the terrible pain of this war.