In a rare display of accountability, Israel’s outgoing military intelligence chief, Major General Aharon Haliva, has taken responsibility for the country’s failures in defending its border during the October 7 raid. Haliva, a 38-year veteran of the military, announced his resignation in April and acknowledged that the intelligence corps failed to foresee and prevent the deadliest raid in Israel’s history.
Speaking at his resignation ceremony on Wednesday, Haliva stated, “The failure of the intelligence corps was my fault.” He called for a national investigation to “study” and “understand deeply” the reasons that led to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Haliva’s willingness to take responsibility for the failures is a significant gesture, especially given the reputation of the Israeli military and intelligence services as being nearly unbeatable.
The October 7 raid, which was carried out by Hamas militants, resulted in significant damage to Israel’s military and intelligence reputation. The attack caught the Israeli military off guard, and the subsequent response was widely criticized as being slow and ineffective. The raid also highlighted the growing capabilities of Hamas and the increasing threat posed by the group to Israel’s national security.
Haliva’s resignation and acknowledgement of responsibility are seen as a positive step towards accountability and transparency within the Israeli military. However, it remains to be seen whether his departure will lead to meaningful changes within the organization. The head of the armed forces, Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi, and the head of the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, both accepted responsibility for the failures but have stayed on despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The October 7 raid and its aftermath have raised significant questions about Israel’s military and intelligence capabilities. Haliva’s resignation and call for a national investigation are a step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that the Israeli military is better equipped to handle future threats.
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