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.
Venezuela's president meets with accuser in ongoing criminal probe into human rights abuse
Solomon Islanders vote in key election for their country, region — Radio Free Asia
Southern California city council gives a key approval for Disneyland expansion plan
Who will win the NHL's top awards this season? Here are AP's predictions
2nd victim dies from injuries after Texas man drove stolen semitrailer into building, officials say
Canton Fair opens in China with surge in overseas purchasers
UK inflation falls to lowest level since late 2021 as food prices ease further
Paul McCartney's psychedelic Wings 1972 double
Sleeping bags at the ready... MPs and peers dig in for late
Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand
NASCAR revels in an M.J. moment. His Airness gives a big boost to his posthoops passion
Amy Schumer looks thinner in a T