Leaked Audio Shows Ex-IDF Spy Chief Urging Massive Gaza Death Toll

Leaked audio published by Israel’s Channel 12 on 16 August captures former Israel Defense Forces military intelligence chief Aharon Haliva urging the killing of “50 Palestinians for every Israeli” slain in Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack. Haliva says the high civilian death toll in Gaza is “necessary” and “a message for future generations,” adding that Palestinians “need a Nakba every now and then to feel the price.” He stresses the policy would not be revenge but a deterrent. Haliva commanded Israeli military intelligence during the early months of the Gaza war and resigned earlier this year after acknowledging responsibility for the intelligence failures that preceded Hamas’s assault, which left about 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. According to Gaza’s health authorities, Israeli operations since then have killed roughly 61,800 Palestinians and wounded more than 155,000. The remarks add to a series of incendiary statements by senior Israeli officials that international critics, including South Africa in its genocide case at the International Court of Justice, cite as evidence of intent to commit mass atrocities. Haliva also uses the recording to criticise Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for refusing to step down after the security debacle, saying Israel’s leadership must “make way for new blood.” Opposition politicians and human-rights groups swiftly condemned the comments, warning they could further undermine Israel’s legal position at The Hague.