IDF Intelligence Officer from Gaza Division Dismissed Over October 7 Failures

A Lieutenant Colonel, identified only as "Aleph," who served as the intelligence officer for the Gaza Division on October 7, has been permanently dismissed from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The army announced Thursday that the head of the Manpower Directorate decided to terminate his service commitment. The decision was communicated to the officer, who has the right to appeal to the Chief of Staff.

Aleph's identity is still restricted from publication. While a court permitted his identification last week, he sought to delay the ruling, citing his role in military intelligence. He had also contested the dismissal proceedings, but a court ruled in June that the process could continue. This followed a November decision by Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who determined Aleph was among the commanders bearing command responsibility for the October 7th massacre.

The June court ruling stated that his service termination was conducted lawfully and with full authority, rejecting Aleph's claims. The court affirmed that army regulations allow for the termination of a soldier's service due to professional and command failures. The IDF confirmed that the process to end Aleph's service, which began months ago, has now concluded. All relevant considerations, including the Deputy Chief of Staff's opinion, investigation findings, and professional assessments of his performance prior to October 7, were reviewed. His arguments regarding his level of responsibility were also considered by an advisory committee.

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi had previously determined that several senior commanders bore command responsibility for the October 7 events and warranted disciplinary action. This followed conclusions from the Turjeman Commission, which led to summonses for numerous senior officers who served in key positions before and during the Hamas attack. Among those summoned were the head of Military Intelligence, the Air Force commander, the Navy commander, the head of Operations, the head of Military Intelligence during the attack, the commander of the Gaza Division, former heads of Unit 8200 and Military Intelligence operational divisions, and other senior officers.