Israel army intelligence chief resigns over October 7 Hamas attack

Srinagar, April 22: The Israeli military said on Monday the chief of its intelligence directorate has resigned after taking responsibility for failure that led to the October 7 attack by Hamas.

“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,” the military said in a statement.

“It was decided that MG Aharon Haliva will end his position and retire from the IDF (army), once his successor is appointed in an orderly and professional process.”

In his resignation letter, Haliva, who served in the force for 38 years, took responsibility for failing to prevent the attack.

“On Saturday, October 7th 2023, Hamas committed a deadly surprise attack against the state of Israel,” he wrote in the letter, according to reports.

He said that 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,” he said.