Which Zionist Officials Took Responsibility for Israel’s Defeat After the “Al-Aqsa Storm”?

Kokcha News Agency – In a scathing report, Israeli journalist Ron Krissi of Yedioth Ahronoth highlighted the widespread changes in Israel’s security and military apparatus following the “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation by Palestinian resistance groups. Krissi noted that while numerous high-ranking military and intelligence officials have either resigned or been fired for their failures, political leaders, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have evaded accountability.

The “Al-Aqsa Storm,” which took place on October 7, 2023, marked a significant turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exposing severe lapses in Israel’s security and military preparedness. Krissi pointed out that the operation left a deep scar on Israel, with 48 captives, both alive and dead, still held in Gaza two years later.

1. Ronen Bar, the former head of Israel’s internal security agency (Shin Bet), was dismissed in March 2025. Bar had previously stated his intention to step down, but his removal was accelerated by Netanyahu, who cited a lack of trust. Bar, however, insisted that his dismissal was unrelated to the events of October 7 and called for a full investigation into Netanyahu’s policies leading up to the attack.
2. Herzi Halevi, the former Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), resigned in January 2025, acknowledging his responsibility for the military’s failure to protect Israeli citizens during the “Al-Aqsa Storm.” Halevi emphasized the heavy toll the operation took on Israel, with numerous casualties and captives.
3. Yaron Finkelman, the former commander of the Southern Front, also resigned, admitting his failure to protect the Negev region and its residents.
4. Aharon Haliva, the former head of military intelligence (Aman), was the first senior official to resign in April 2024, taking full responsibility for the intelligence failure that led to the attack.
5. Odded Basyuk, the head of the IDF’s Operations Directorate, announced his resignation in March 2025, although internal investigations found no negligence in his department.
6. Avi Rosenfeld, the commander of the Gaza Division, decided to retire, acknowledging his failure to defend Israeli towns and soldiers along the Gaza border.
7. Nimrod Aloni, the former commander of the Gaza Division, retired recently, delivering a scathing critique of the IDF’s handling of the “Al-Aqsa Storm” and its aftermath.

Political Leaders Avoid Responsibility:
Despite the wave of resignations and dismissals in the military and intelligence sectors, political leaders, including Netanyahu and Tzachi Hanegbi, the National Security Advisor, have remained in their positions without accepting any responsibility for the failures. Netanyahu has repeatedly deflected blame, stating that Israel is still at war and that it is not the time for him to step down.

Krissi’s report underscores the growing frustration among Israelis, who are demanding accountability from their leaders. While military and intelligence officials have taken personal responsibility for their failures, the political leadership has left the public without clear answers or accountability.