IDF intelligence chief steps down
Israel’s military intelligence chief announced his resignation just over six months after the unprecedented October 7 attack, The Independent reported on April 22.
Major General Aharon Haliva noted that he and his division ultimately failed to prevent the deadly attack by Palestinian militants Hamas, affirming that this was the main reason for him stepping down.
Some 1,200 people were killed in the rampage in early October and around 250 Israelis were taken hostage – 130 of whom are still in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Israel has since responded by launching an indiscriminate bombing campaign in the enclave which has resulted in the killing of over 34,000 people, 70% of whom were women and children, and using starvation as a weapon of war – a clear breach of international law.
Mr Haliva conceded that his army division “did not live up to the task we were entrusted with” and he will “carry that black day (October 7)” with him forever.
Just weeks after the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his anger towards the IDF intelligence chief as well as the head of Shin Bet (the national security agency) for not warning him of an attack by the militant group as well as failing to tackle it.
The premier took to X (previously Twitter) to vent his frustrations but deleted his post on the matter hours later. No resignations or sackings were announced shortly after the attack.
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Haliva said in a statement: “At the beginning of the war, I expressed my desire to accept responsibility and finish my duties. Now, after more than six months, and at the same time as the investigations begin, I would like to end my position.”
“Until the end of my shift, I will do everything for the defeat of Hamas and those who want to harm us and the work for the return of the captives and the missing to their homes and land.”
The IDF said its chief of general staff had thanked Haliva, who served 38 years in the military, for his service where he made “significant contributions to the security of the State of Israel as both a combat soldier and commander”.
The resignation comes just as Washington announced that they will impose sanctions against the Netzah Yehuda, an IDF battalion, for human rights violations while operating in the occupied West Bank, where 468 people have been killed by the army since October.
With regards to the announcement Netanyahu commented: “If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit of the IDF, I will fight it with all my strength.”
The Israeli supremo is yet to publicly comment on the resignation of Major General Haliva but reiterated that “everyone will have to give answers” with regards to failing to prevent the Hamas attack.
The Independent/ Sky News
