Aharon Haliva, Israel’s head of military intelligence, became the first senior Israeli official to resign after the October 7 Hamas attack, claiming he took the blame for not preventing it, according to TRT World.
Major General Aharon Haliva, in coordination with the chief of the general staff, has requested to end his position, following his leadership responsibility as the head of the intelligence directorate for the events of October 7.
Haliva resigned on Monday, April 22, taking responsibility for failing to prevent the attack that killed 1,200 people and took some 250 hostages.
“On Saturday, October 7th 2023, Hamas committed a deadly surprise attack against the state of Israel. 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. I will forever carry with me the terrible pain of the war.”
The Israeli military confirmed in a statement that the chief of staff accepted Haliva’s resignation request and thanked him for his service.
It was decided that MG Aharon Haliva will end his position and retire from the IDF [Israel Defence Forces], once his successor is appointed in an orderly and professional process.
His resignation could pave the way for more of Israel’s top security officials to resign and take the blame for not preventing the attack.
