The Israeli military announced the morning of Monday, April 22, that its intelligence chief, Major General Aharon Haliva, is stepping down. This marks the first resignation of a senior figure following Hamas’ terror attack and the ongoing war.
The decision was coordinated with Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and approved by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to the IDF.
Haliva has previously stated that he failed to warn of Hamas’ assault on Oct. 7 and takes full responsibility. In his resignation letter, he expressed that he will forever carry the burden of that “black day” and the pain of the war.
“The intelligence division under my command did not live up to the task we were entrusted with. I have carried that black day with me ever since,” Haliva wrote in his resignation letter.
Alongside Haliva, other top defense officials, including the head of the Shin Bet security agency and the IDF chief of staff, have also taken responsibility for Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. However, none have yet announced plans to resign, with expectations of such decisions likely after the security situation stabilizes.
Haliva served with the IDF for 38 years.
