Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israeli military intelligence, has stepped down, taking responsibility for the intelligence failures that led to a devastating Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023.

What Happened: Haliva was among several top Israeli commanders who confessed to not anticipating the attack, which is now considered the most destructive in Israel’s history, Reuters reported on Monday.

“The intelligence division under my command did not live up to the task we were entrusted with. I have carried that black day with me ever since,” Haliva stated in his resignation letter.

The attack, which occurred on Oct. 7, involved thousands of Hamas and other group fighters breaching high-tech security barriers around Gaza, catching Israeli forces off guard and wreaking havoc in nearby communities. The incident resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 individuals, 133 of whom remain hostages in Gaza.

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The attack significantly tarnished the reputation of the Israeli military and intelligence services, previously seen as nearly invincible. Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi, the head of the armed forces, and Ronen Bar, the head of the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, both accepted responsibility for the attack but have retained their positions as the war in Gaza continues.

Why It Matters: Despite the ongoing conflict, U.S. President Joe Biden recently reaffirmed his “ironclad” support for Israel. In his message, Biden linked the Jewish holiday of Passover to the current conflict with Hamas, stating, "We can never forget the horror of Hamas’ despicable atrocities."

Earlier in April, an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed three sons of a key Hamas figure in Gaza, further intensifying the conflict.

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