IDF Officially Discharges Gaza Division Intelligence Officer from Oct. 7

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officially announced Thursday the termination of service for Lieutenant Colonel A., who served as the intelligence officer for the Gaza Division during the October 7th Hamas attacks. The decision was made by the Head of the Manpower Directorate after reviewing recommendations from an advisory committee and the Deputy Chief of Staff's opinion. Concurrently, the officer filed a petition with the High Court of Justice against the decision to end his service. His full name remains under a gag order due to ongoing legal proceedings.

The Military Advocate General's Corps revealed that the notification of Lt. Col. A.'s dismissal was sent to his representatives just minutes before its public release. As early as November 2025, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi determined that several senior commanders bore direct command responsibility for the October 7th events and that disciplinary action was necessary. Lt. Col. A., in his role as division intelligence officer, was included in this group, leading to the initiation of proceedings to end his service.

The process was delayed for months by the officer's claims and requests to postpone committee hearings. In March 2026, Lt. Col. A. petitioned the court against the committee's convening, which temporarily halted proceedings and imposed a publication ban. On June 30, 2026, the court dismissed his petition, ruling that the IDF acted within its authority. The ruling stated that military authorities can initiate the termination of service for a soldier who failed professionally and command-wise, and that the process, based on the officer's professional errors prior to the war, was legitimate.

Following the court's decision, the administrative process resumed. The advisory committee examined investigation findings, professional opinions, and the officer's arguments, ultimately recommending his dismissal. The Head of the Manpower Directorate accepted these recommendations and signed the order to end the officer's IDF service. The military stated that Lt. Col. A. was notified as required and retains the right to appeal the decision to the Chief of Staff.