Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, announced his resignation on Monday, opting for retirement. In a letter shared by Israel’s Defense Forces, he cited his own accountability for the failure to prevent Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. Haliva had previously acknowledged his responsibility for the intelligence shortcomings that resulted in the gravest security lapse in Israel’s 76-year history.
In the letter, Haliva expressed remorse, acknowledging that the military intelligence directorate under his leadership had fallen short of its mission. He described carrying the weight of that “black day” continuously, enduring the anguish day and night.
Haliva’s resignation marks a significant development, as he is one of the highest-ranking officials from Israel’s military or political establishment to step down in the aftermath of Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7. The assault claimed an estimated 1,200 lives, constituting the deadliest single-day loss in Israel’s history. Additionally, militants captured 253 hostages, transporting them back to Gaza, where over 130 remain in captivity.
