In reaction to the incident, Haliva's resignation represents the first notable departure among Israel's senior security officers. Haliva admitted the intelligence directorate's failure to stop the attack and apologized in his resignation letter. He said, "Day by day, night by night, I've carried that dark day with me ever since." I shall always be burdened by the terrible suffering caused by the war." His resignation is indicative of a larger movement among Israel's security establishment toward greater responsibility.
Haliva's resignation was accepted by the military chief of staff, who also expressed gratitude for his 38 years of service. As the chief of the intelligence directorate, which gives the military and government daily alerts and intelligence warnings, Haliva has previously acknowledged that he was responsible for not stopping the attack.
But Haliva's departure comes at a crucial moment for Israel, which is still dealing with wars with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and elevated hostilities with Iran. Certain military experts advise against high-profile resignations in such difficult times because they may be seen as careless and a sign of weakness.
Haliva's resignation emphasizes the necessity for responsibility and transformation inside Israel's security apparatus despite the uncertainties surrounding it. In an effort to strengthen its defenses against potential threats and rectify the mistakes that led to the October 7 attack, Israel may also be signaling more significant changes inside the security leadership of the nation.