IDF Officer Responsible for Gaza Intelligence on Oct. 7 Dismissed

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has decided to terminate the service of Lieutenant Colonel Aleph, who served as the intelligence officer for the Gaza Division on October 7th. This decision follows findings from investigations into his performance in the period leading up to the Hamas attack.

The Chief of Staff determined that Lt. Col. Aleph was among the commanders bearing command responsibility for the October 7th events and that disciplinary action was warranted.

Lt. Col. Aleph had previously petitioned the court against the proceedings initiated against him, but his appeal was rejected in June. The court ruled that his service termination process was conducted lawfully and within full authority, and that military authorities can initiate the release of a soldier from service who experienced professional and command failures.

Following the court ruling, the IDF renewed the administrative process concerning the officer. An advisory committee to the Head of the Manpower Directorate reviewed the investigation findings, professional assessments of his failures prior to October 7th, and the officer's arguments. Based on the committee's recommendations, the Head of the Manpower Directorate decided to end his service.

The officer has been informed of the decision and can appeal to the Chief of Staff. The IDF stated that this decision is not necessarily the final step in the process for the officer.