Tanks, armored vehicles and military machines of the Israeli army on April 17, 2024.
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The Israel Defense Forces intelligence chief has resigned, citing failures related to the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack that left 1,200 people dead and more than 200 taken hostage in Israel.
“On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel, the consequences of which are grave and painful. The intelligence department under my command did not live up to the task assigned to it,” Major General Aharon said Haliva in a resignation letter sent by the IDF.
“At the beginning of the war, I expressed to you my desire to assume responsibility and fulfill my duties,” he added. “After more than six months and at the same time as the investigation begins, I would like to resign from my position.”
Haliva had previously taken responsibility for failing to prevent the devastating attack, despite growing domestic criticism and demands for accountability from Israel’s highest ranks. He is the first senior official to resign over the incident.
According to Reuters and the Times of Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet directly acknowledged blame for the attack, although poll results suggest the majority of Israelis believe he should accept blame.
This breaking news story will be updated.
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2024-04-22 09:41:31
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