Israeli Military Intelligence Head Resigns Over Failures in Hamas Attack
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) – The head of Israeli military intelligence, Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, has announced his resignation, taking responsibility for the failures surrounding Hamas’ unprecedented attack on October 7. This makes Haliva the first senior figure to step down over his role in Israel’s deadliest assault. The attack, which caught Israel off guard and resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, including mostly civilians, and the hostage-taking of approximately 250 individuals in Gaza, has triggered an ongoing war against Hamas that is now in its seventh month.
Resignations and Uncertain Timing Amid Multiple Fronts
While Haliva’s resignation could pave the way for further resignations among Israel’s top security brass, the timing of these resignations remains unclear. Israel is currently engaged with Hamas in Gaza and is simultaneously battling the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in the north. Additionally, tensions with Iran have escalated following attacks exchanged between the two adversaries. Some military experts emphasize that resignations during an ongoing conflict on multiple fronts can be viewed as irresponsible and potentially undermine Israel’s defense.
Leaders Accept Blame, Uncertainty Surrounding Prime Minister
Major General Haliva, alongside other military and security leaders, acknowledges their failure to prevent the attack. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not openly assumed direct responsibility for allowing the assault to transpire. While Netanyahu promises to address concerns about his involvement, he has not indicated his resignation. Nevertheless, a growing protest movement is pressing for imminent elections.
Restoring Faith in Israeli Military Amid a Shattered Defense
The Hamas attack, which occurred during a Jewish holiday, caught Israel’s highly respected security establishment completely off guard. The assault shattered the Israeli public’s faith in their military, an institution regarded as highly trustworthy by most Jews. The resignation of Major General Haliva may aid in the process of restoring some of this lost trust.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza, Escalating Regional Tensions
Since the attack, the ongoing war has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza, with the local health ministry reporting that two-thirds of the casualties are children and women. The fighting has devastated major cities in Gaza, forcing 80% of the population to flee to other parts of the beleaguered coastal enclave. Prompting warnings of an impending famine, the conflict has also sparked a severe humanitarian catastrophe.
Drastic Impact and Security Concerns Extend Beyond Israeli Borders
The attack on Israeli soil has had enduring repercussions in the region. Tensions have also flared up in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as well as in various cities and towns within Israel itself. As an illustration, a recent incident involved a car that plowed into pedestrians in Jerusalem, lightly injuring three individuals. Security camera footage shows two men exiting the vehicle armed with a rifle, later resulting in their arrest.
Correction
This story has been edited to correct the spelling of the surname of Major General Aharon Haliva.