TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The head of Israeli military intelligence resigned on Monday because of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, becoming the first senior figure to step down over his role in the stunning failure to anticipate or quickly respond to the deadliest assault in Israel’s history.
Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva’s decision could set the stage for more resignations among top Israeli security officials. Hamas militants blasted through Israel’s border defenses on Oct. 7, rampaging through communities unchallenged for hours and killing 1,200 people, most of them civilians, while taking roughly 250 hostages into Gaza.
The attack set off the war against Hamas in Gaza, now in its seventh month.
“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.
Biden is marking Earth Day by announcing $7 billion in federal solar power grants
Unemployment Rate Falls, Still High in Young Groups
Pic Story: Free Barista Training Provided for Hearing
Volunteers Open Tent Classrooms for Children at Quake Relief Shelter in Sichuan
Forward Cody Williams declares for the NBA draft after a single season at Colorado
Letter from Space Sends Hong Kong Student over the Moon
China Launches Special TCM Initiative for Betterment of Public Health
Sleeping bags at the ready... MPs and peers dig in for late
Visitors View Exhibits at 2nd CICPE