Israeli military intelligence chief resigns, admits failure

Israel’s military intelligence chief, Major General Aharon Haliva resigns from his post as he acknowledges the shortcomings of his division

Israel’s military intelligence chief, Major General Aharon Haliva, resigned from his position on Monday, taking responsibility for failures that led to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, making him the first top Israeli official to step down in the aftermath of the incident.

In his resignation letter, Haliva acknowledged the shortcomings of the intelligence division under his command, stating, “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.”

The announcement of Haliva’s resignation comes as Israel continues to carry out shelling in Gaza, which has been heavily affected by the ongoing conflict. Families in Israel have been urged to leave an empty seat at their tables during the Jewish holiday of Passover to symbolize the hostages being held in Gaza.

Israel has also expressed frustration over reports suggesting that its top ally and military supplier, the United States, may consider sanctioning the Israeli military’s ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda Battalion over alleged human rights abuses in the West Bank preceding the war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the notion of sanctions, labeling it as “the height of absurdity and a moral low.”

In response to escalating tensions, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared on Sunday an intention to increase military pressure on Hamas militants in Gaza, vowing to deliver “additional and painful blows.”

Netanyahu has previously mentioned the possibility of sending troops into Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah to target Hamas forces, a move that has been met with apprehension from Israel’s allies, including the United States, because of concerns about exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Source: AFP