Israeli Military Intel Chief Resigns Over Oct 7 Failures

Last updated on August 7th, 2024 at 04:29 pm

A top Israeli intelligence official is stepping down over what he views as his leadership shortcomings related to the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks across southern Israel.

Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, chief of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Military Intelligence Directorate, plans to step down from his leadership position once the IDF can find a replacement, according to a letter he wrote in Hebrew which was published by the IDF on Monday.

“On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel, whose consequences are difficult and painful,” Haliva’s letter reads. “The intelligence division under my command did not live up to the task we were entrusted with. I carry that black day with me ever since, day after day, night after night.”

Haliva’s letter did not elaborate on the exact intelligence shortcomings for which he felt responsible.

The Oct. 7 attack saw hundreds of Palestinian militants pour through the Gaza-Israel barrier—a security zone featuring layers of above and below-ground barriers and sensors—before attacking several communities and gatherings located on the other side of the barrier. The attack transpired for some time before the IDF recognized the barrier had been breached, and it took several hours still before Israeli security forces were able to drive back the attack.

More than 1,100 people were killed in the Oct. 7 attack, according to a review of Israeli social security records. Among those killed were 695 Israeli civilians, 373 security forces, and 71 foreign nationals. There are some accounts of friendly fire, with Israeli forces killing civilians. Palestinian militants took around 250 others back to the Gaza Strip as hostages.

The New York Times reported in November that Israeli intelligence officials were aware of a Hamas attack plan similar to the one that took place on Oct. 7. According to the Times, those Israeli officials dismissed the plan as too difficult for Hamas and viewed the ideas laid out in the plan as aspirational.

The Oct. 7 attacks set off a broader ongoing conflict, with Israeli forces now fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Haliva’s letter states he had expressed a desire, since the start of the war, to take responsibility for his shortcomings on Oct. 7.

“Now, after more than half a year, and parallel to the start of the investigations, I request to conclude my duties and retire from the IDF, after the completion of the investigation phase and after the appointment of a new head of the intelligence branch,” his letter states.

Toward the end, Haliva’s letter calls for a new Israeli state-commissioned inquiry into the Oct. 7 attacks.

“I am convinced, for the sake of the State of Israel, for the sake of the people of Israel and for the sake of future generations, that a state commission of inquiry should be established, which will be able to thoroughly, deeply, comprehensively, and precisely investigate and clarify all the factors and circumstances that led to the difficult events,” the translated letter reads.