The head of Israel's military intelligence directorate resigned on Monday over failure to stop Hamas' shock assault that sparked the war in Gaza.
ADVERTISEMENTIsrael announced on Monday the head of its intelligence corps has resigned over failures surrounding Hamas’ unprecedented 7 October attack, which broke through Israel’s vaunted defences.
Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, has become the first senior Israeli figure to step down because of the surprise assault, which killed 1,200 people and saw roughly 250 more taken captive.
In his resignation letter provided by the military Haliva said: "The intelligence directorate 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 carry the horrible pain of the war with me forever."
Haliva said shortly after the attack in October that he shouldered the blame for not preventing the assault.
The Israeli Defence Forces posted on X that they thanked Major General Aharon Haliva for his service saying he had made significant contributions as a combat soldier and commander.
His resignation could set the stage for more of Israel’s top security brass to accept blame for not preventing the attack and step down.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not acknowledged direct responsibility for allowing the attack on 7 October to unfold.
Despite growing protests in Tel Aviv demanding more elections, he has also indicated he will not step down.