The head of IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva announced Monday that he is stepping down over the intelligence failure surrounding Hamas' unprecedented Oct. 7 attack.
Haliva had formally notified IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi of his intention to step down in the wake of the Hamas onslaught that took Israeli forces by surprise. Haliva and Halevi reached a mutual agreement that Haliva would continue to serve until a successor was found.
In his resignation letter, Haliva reflected on his 38-year-long service, saying that over the course of his career he had been acutely aware of the immense responsibilities that come with leadership – "responsibilities to the mission, our people, and to both our successes and failures."
"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 wrote in his resignation letter, which was provided by the military.
Haliva described the events of Oct. 7 as a "murderous surprise attack" that highlighted a critical lapse in intelligence under his leadership. He was among the first to take responsibility for the intelligence failure.
Haliva's resignation sets the stage for what's expected to be more fallout from Israel's top security brass over the Hamas attack.
