Maj.-Gen. Aharon Haliva, the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate head, has retired from the IDF after leaving a letter of resignation on the desk of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Israeli media reported on Monday.
Shortly after, the IDF released a statement saying, "In a decision with the Chief of Staff and with the approval of the Minister of Defense, Major General Aharon Haliva will conclude his role and retire from the IDF after appointing a successor through an orderly and professional process.
Major General Aharon Haliva noted in his request his high appreciation for the performance of the Military Intelligence Directorate's personnel during the war.
The Chief of Staff thanked Major General Aharon Haliva for his service over 38 years in the IDF, during which he contributed significantly as a fighter and commander for the security of the state."
A link to a copy of his letter to the Chief of Staff was attached to the statement.
Claiming responsibility
In his letter, Haliva states that he would like to take responsibility for what happened on October 7 and promises to do his best to complete as many of the war's goals as possible.
These goals include reestablishing military dominance in the north and south of the Gaza Strip, deterring further threats from Iran and other foreign enemies, and returning the hostages.
As time passed since October 7, calls for him to resign from the public increased as well. This was mainly due to two factors: the increasing passing of time since the October 7 attack and the recent military intelligence blunder in which the IDF miscalculated Iran's response to the strike that killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official Mohammad Reza Zahedi.
Haliva was expected to resign for a while and has even stated his intention in the past.
Further details
Haliva is expected to remain in his post until a new IDF intelligence chief is selected.
It is unclear when that selection will happen as the candidate is usually chosen by the IDF chief, and current IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi may himself resign soon.
In any event, replacing such a crucial post usually involves interviews of other top major generals, which will take some time.
Various responses to Haliva's resignation
Opposition leader Yair Lapid posted on his social media X account, "The resignation of the IDF Intelligence Directorate head is justified and respectable. Prime Minister Netanyahu should have done the same."
״לצד הסמכות מונחת אחריות כבדה״. פרישת ראש אמ״ן מוצדקת ומכובדת. ראוי היה שראש הממשלה נתניהו יעשה כמוהו.
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) April 22, 2024
In response to Haliva's announcement, Yesh Atid Party member Vladimir Beliak posted on the social media platform X: “IDF Intelligence Directorate head was wise to resign. A state inquiry committee must be established without delay. The Prime Minister must resign immediately, regardless of the establishment of a state inquiry committee.
1. טוב עשה ראש אמ"ן שהתפטר.2. ועדת חקירה ממלכתית חייבת לקום ללא דיחוי.3. ראש הממשלה חייב להתפטר באופן מיידי ללא קשר להקמת ועדת חקירה ממלכתית.
— MK Vladimir Beliak ולדימיר בליאק️ (@VladimirBeliak) April 22, 2024