Head of Israeli Military Intelligence Steps Down After Accepting Responsibility for Mistakes That Led To Hamas Attack

On October 7, the Israeli Military announced the retirement of Intelligence Chief Haliva, who accepted responsibility for the attack on Israel led by Hamas.

The Israeli military stated on Monday that Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of military intelligence, had resigned and accepted responsibility for the mistakes that resulted in the catastrophic attack on Israel on October 7 that was led by Hamas.

One of numerous senior Israeli commanders who acknowledged their inability to foresee and stop the bloodiest attack in Israel’s history was Haliva, a 38-year veteran of the military.

He acknowledged the failings of the intelligence branch he oversaw in his resignation letter, which was made public by the military, saying, “I have carried that black day with me ever since.”

Haliva will hold this position until a replacement is chosen. After the main military campaign in Gaza concludes, further resignations are expected, according to Israeli analysts and media.

Armed Palestinian organizations such as Hamas had previously regarded the Israeli military and intelligence services as formidable; however, the strike on October 7 seriously damaged their reputation.

Following a fierce rocket bombardment in the early hours of the morning, thousands of Hamas fighters broke over security barriers surrounding Gaza, surprising Israeli authorities and spreading havoc in southern Israeli villages.

Approximately 1,200 Israelis and foreigners—mostly civilians—were killed in the attack, and another 250 people were taken prisoner in Gaza. Israeli estimations state that 133 prisoners are still being held captive.

Despite taking responsibility for the aftermath of the strike, both Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi, the chief of the armed forces, and Ronen Bar, the head of the domestic intelligence organization Shin Bet, have remained in their roles during the Gaza conflict.

By contrast, studies show that most Israelis hold Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for insufficient defense and prevention efforts, yet he has not yet taken ownership of the October 7 incident.