IDF Dismisses Gaza Division Intelligence Chief Over October 7 Failures

The head of the IDF's Manpower Directorate announced on Thursday, September 17, the dismissal of Lieutenant Colonel A., who served as the intelligence chief for the Gaza Division on October 7, 2023. The dismissal follows a months-long legal process where the officer attempted to contest his removal from service. He was held professionally and commandingly responsible for the failures of October 7.

Lt. Col. A. was among the commanders identified by the Chief of Staff as bearing direct responsibility for the events of that day. Reports indicated he was aware of Hamas's "Jericho Wall" attack plan but dismissed warnings from an experienced Unit 8200 soldier, deeming a large-scale terrorist breach into Israel "completely fantastic." On the night before the attack, despite alarming border signals and urgent command consultations, he reportedly arrived at the Re'im division base without his personal weapon and went to sleep without raising the alert level.

The dismissal process began after a November 23, 2025, decision by the Chief of Staff holding several senior commanders commandingly responsible for October 7. However, the review board meeting was repeatedly postponed due to the officer's objections. In March, he petitioned the court to prevent the board from convening. The court initially ruled that the board could not meet until further notice, imposing a publication ban on the proceedings.

On June 30, 2026, the court ruled on the petition, upholding the legality of the dismissal procedure initiated based on the Deputy Chief of Staff's assessment of professional errors, failures, and command responsibility. The court rejected Lt. Col. A.'s arguments, affirming the IDF's authority to dismiss officers for such failures and confirming his right to present his case was not violated.

Following the court's decision, the review board convened and made its recommendations. The head of the Manpower Directorate subsequently ordered Lt. Col. A.'s dismissal. He retains the right to appeal this decision to the Chief of Staff.