What’s happening:

The head of the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate, Aharon Haliva, is preparing to resign following the fallout from the October 7 massacre, taking responsibility for his role in the events leading up to the attack. His exclusion from a critical security conversation has sparked questions and controversy within the military establishment.

Why it matters:

Haliva’s resignation underscores the gravity of the security lapse and the importance of communication and coordination among military leaders. It also signals a potential shift in the military intelligence apparatus as Israel confronts ongoing threats. The incident highlights the need for rigorous review and potential reform in intelligence-sharing protocols.

Key details:

During a crucial encrypted call between top generals and the Chief of Staff about intelligence on the Gaza border, Haliva was notably absent. This call discussed intelligence that, while not indicating a large-scale attack, did note unusual activities near the border. Later, the “Tequila” teams dispatched dismissed the probability of a single infiltration attack. The largest rocket barrage from Gaza followed the next morning.

The big picture:

The incident raises serious questions about decision-making processes within the IDF’s leadership. The lack of Haliva’s involvement – whether by oversight or deliberate exclusion – is a concerning gap in the chain of command that possibly affected Israel’s preparedness for the October 7 events. His forthcoming resignation and the subsequent selection of his successor will be closely watched for implications on Israel’s future security operations.

What’s next:

As Haliva contemplates the timing of his departure, a succession battle has already begun within the Intelligence Division. The IDF and the Israeli government will likely face increased scrutiny regarding their intelligence-sharing practices and protocols to prevent such oversights in the future.

This story was first published on jpost.com.