IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), the weapons company owned by businessman Sami Katsav, has canceled its engagement with Maj. Gen. (res.) Aharon Haliva, the outgoing head of Military Intelligence who resigned last April.
Calcalist has learned that the decision was made just hours after the newspaper revealed the arrangement between the two parties, which would have seen Haliva serve as a consultant for the company. The agreement was scrapped due to regulatory issues and, primarily, pressure from bereaved families who threatened to protest outside the company's offices if Haliva were hired.
Haliva had represented the company in several meetings in recent weeks, though it remains unclear whether a formal contract had been signed between him and Katsav.
IWI, owned by Katzav’s SK Group, specializes in manufacturing small arms and firearms for military, police, and security forces. The company’s most well-known rifle is the Galil, used by Israeli soldiers. IWI also produces Tavor and Arad assault rifles, as well as the Uzi Pro submachine gun.
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On Wednesday, when approached by Calcalist, IWI stated that no signed agreement existed but did not deny discussions between the parties. By Thursday morning, however, the company announced: "IWI does not employ Aharon Haliva and will not employ him in the future."
Haliva served as the head of Military Intelligence during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack and was on vacation in Eilat when the massacre began. As the war unfolded, failures in intelligence assessments became apparent, particularly regarding Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad training activities and preparations for the attack.
In April 2024, Haliva resigned, stating in his farewell letter: "The Intelligence Directorate did not fulfill the mission entrusted to us. That dark day has haunted me ever since — day and night. I will forever carry the immense pain of this war."