Bereaved Mother Confronts Former IDF Intelligence Chief Aharon Haliva

Meshel Yogev, mother of Libi Cohen Maguri who was murdered at the Nova music festival on October 7th, recounted a chance encounter and confrontation with former head of Military Intelligence, Aharon Haliva, in Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park. Yogev described the tense meeting, during which she expressed her frustration with Haliva's perceived lack of accountability and his failure to adequately address the families of victims.

Yogev stated that when Haliva asked for her identity, she revealed she was Libi's mother. According to Yogev, Haliva responded, "I have no idea who you are and I have no idea who Libi is." She criticized his response, questioning why she should have to pursue him for answers about the failures that led to the massacre. She contrasted his behavior with that of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who she said visited her home, looked her in the eye, and engaged with her, even if he didn't provide answers.

Yogev extended her criticism to the broader political and security leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom she called "the father of the conception" and accused of strengthening Hamas over 15 years. She asserted that those responsible for the October 7th failures should not continue in public or security roles and pointed to "File 7.10" as a resource for understanding the events leading to the disaster.

Furthermore, Yogev voiced strong opposition to former senior officials taking on new roles in the private or public sectors after leaving their posts. She specifically mentioned Haliva's reported intention to join the defense industry and the appointment of former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to a tech company and a university leadership program. Yogev insisted that those responsible must be investigated and the truth revealed before they move on with their lives. She concluded by stating that the bereaved families deserve answers and an investigation, and that Haliva and others responsible should be "shattered" like her.