The IDF has decided to terminate the military service of Lt. Col. A., who served as the Gaza Division’s intelligence officer during the October 7 massacre, bringing to a close a months-long administrative process over his role in the failures surrounding the attack. The head of the IDF Manpower Directorate decided to release the officer from his service commitment after an advisory committee completed its review, the IDF announced Thursday.

The process stems from IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s November 2025 decision that a series of senior commanders bore command responsibility for the events of October 7 and should face disciplinary or command measures. Lt. Col. A. was among those commanders because of his position in the Gaza Division before and during the Hamas attack.

As part of the proceedings, officials reviewed the deputy chief of staff’s assessment, findings from the IDF’s investigations and professional assessments concerning failures in the officer’s performance during the period preceding October 7. Lt. Col. A. was also given the opportunity to present his arguments regarding the extent of his responsibility, both orally and in writing.

The process was delayed for several months after the officer petitioned the court in March. A court temporarily froze the convening of the committee considering the termination of his service, but in late June rejected his arguments and ruled that the proceedings were lawful and within the IDF’s authority. The court also determined that the military may initiate the termination of an officer’s service commitment over professional and command failures and that the officer’s right to present his case had not been violated.

Following that ruling, the process resumed and the advisory committee submitted its recommendations to the head of the Manpower Directorate, who ultimately decided to terminate Lt. Col. A.’s service. The decision has been formally delivered to the officer, who may appeal it to the IDF chief of staff.

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