Israeli Military Intelligence Chief Has Shocking Admission About October 7

In an unprecedented admission, the outgoing head of Israeli military intelligence confessed to the lapses leading to the devastating October 7 attack.

At a Glance

Major-General Aharon Haliva acknowledged responsibility for Israel’s intelligence failures.
Haliva called for a national investigation to understand the security breach.
The attack on October 7th resulted in significant casualties and captives.
Other senior officials have also accepted responsibility but remain in their positions.

Outgoing Intelligence Chief’s Admission

Major-General Aharon Haliva, the outgoing head of Israeli military intelligence, publicly took responsibility for the intelligence failures that allowed the October 7 attack to occur. Haliva, who has served in the military for 38 years, announced his resignation in April, well before this public admission. He stated, “The failure of the intelligence corps was my fault,” during a ceremony, urging a national investigation to deeply understand the causes of this grave security lapse.

The attack on October 7, executed by thousands of fighters from Hamas and other groups, breached Gaza’s security barriers and resulted in substantial casualties and many captives. The precise figures are staggering: approximately 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were killed, with around 250 taken captive. Of these, about 109 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza. Haaretz reported that Israeli army helicopters and tanks were responsible for some of the deaths, initially attributed solely to Palestinian fighters.

Outgoing IDF Military Intelligence chief calls for state commission of inquiry into October 7https://t.co/rOjYihaDl6

— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) August 21, 2024

Calls for a National Inquiry

Haliva emphasized the need for a state commission of inquiry to meticulously investigate the factors leading to the attack. He believes such a measure is essential to prevent similar failures in the future. Despite the seriousness of the lapses, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to take responsibility, instead pointing the finger at security chiefs. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has remarked that Netanyahu should have resigned in light of the failures leading to the attack.

“The failure of the intelligence corps was my fault,” Haliva said at the ceremony on Wednesday, and he called for a national investigation “in order to study” and “understand deeply” the reasons that led to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar have also accepted responsibility but have remained at their posts as hostilities with Hamas continue. The Israeli military and intelligence services’ reputations have suffered significantly due to this breach, highlighting the pressing need for rigorous preemptive measures and keen vigilance. As Israel’s retaliatory actions result in further casualties, the call for accountability within the Israeli security apparatus intensifies.

“On October 7, that bitter day I carry with me on my conscience and on my shoulders, and will carry with me until my last days, we did not uphold the sanctity of our oath"

– Israel's outgoing head of military intelligence, Major General Aharon Halivahttps://t.co/PdU9aNGyFA

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) August 22, 2024

Ongoing Conflict and Global Repercussions

Israel’s robust retaliatory offensive has led to substantial casualties in Gaza, with at least 40,173 deaths reported. The international community, including the US and UN, warns that further intensification, particularly an all-out assault on Rafah, could result in catastrophic consequences. More than 34,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed in the ongoing conflict. The intelligence mishap is not only a matter of national security but has escalated into a significant humanitarian crisis.

Haliva’s resignation signals potential shifts within Israel’s defense leadership, as senior commanders might follow suit. This transition underscores the profound impact of the October 7 attack on Israel’s national defense strategies and leadership. With the call for a comprehensive investigation and heightened scrutiny on intelligence protocols, this incident marks a pivotal point in Israel’s ongoing quest for security and resilience amidst relentless adversities.