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Israel Military Intelligence Chief, Major General Aharon Haliva Quits Over 7 October

Israel military intelligence chief, Major General Aharon Haliva quits over 7 October according to official reports.

The Israeli military’s intelligence head has resigned, claiming responsibility for the mistakes that led up to Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Major General Aharon Haliva would retire once his successor was chosen.

In a letter, he said that his intelligence directorate “did not live up to the task we were entrusted with”.

He is the first high-ranking official to resign in response to the attacks, which were the bloodiest in Israeli history.

Multiple warnings were missed or ignored by Israeli military and intelligence officials before hundreds of Hamas gunmen infiltrated the Gaza border fence and attacked surrounding Israeli villages, military posts, and a music festival.

According to Israeli estimates, over 1,200 Israelis and foreigners, the majority of whom were civilians, were killed, while 253 others were taken hostage and returned to Gaza.

Israel responded by starting its most aggressive war in Gaza, with the goal of destroying Hamas and releasing the hostages.

“It was decided that MG Aharon Haliva will end his position and retire from the IDF, once his successor is appointed in an orderly and professional process,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on Monday, expressing gratitude for his 38 years of service.

In October, Haliva admitted to his unit’s “intelligence failure” in failing to inform Israel to Hamas-led attacks.

“During my travels to IDF intelligence bases over the previous 11 days, I have repeatedly stated that the war began with an intelligence failure. Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva said in a letter to IDF intelligence personnel that the Intelligence Directorate, which is under my leadership, failed to inform them about Hamas’ terrorist act.

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We did not complete our most crucial duty, and as chief of the Intelligence Directorate, I accept full responsibility for this failure. These were Haliva’s first comments following the attack.

They came after Israel’s senior domestic security officer claimed responsibility for the strikes.

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar stated in a statement at the time that, “despite a series of actions we carried out, we weren’t able to create a sufficient warning that would allow the attack to be thwarted,” adding, “The responsibility is on me,” according to Israel’s Army Radio station.

The attack was largely regarded as a major Israeli intelligence failure, with a number of high defense and security officials stepping out in October to accept partial responsibility for the errors that led to the attacks.