US Intelligence Official Quits Citing ‘Moral Injury’ from Support of Israeli Actions in Gaza
Harrison Mann, a former US Army Major and intelligence official with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), publicly disclosed that he resigned from his position in November due to “moral injury” caused by the US support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This revelation comes amid growing domestic and international criticism over the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Gaza, where significant Palestinian casualties have been reported.
In a heartfelt letter shared with his former DIA colleagues and posted on his LinkedIn profile, Mann expressed his fears and the moral dilemma he faced in supporting US policies that, he believes, contributed to the suffering and deaths of Palestinians. His resignation is noted as the first known instance within the DIA linked to the US’s stance on Israel, highlighting a rare and significant protest from within the ranks of US military intelligence.
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The letter details Mann’s internal conflict and his decision to prioritize his ethical convictions over professional norms. He cites the US’s indirect role in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including allegations of mass casualties and restricted humanitarian aid, which have sparked widespread protests and political repercussions within the United States.
This disclosure aligns with a broader reevaluation of US military support for Israel, evidenced by President Joe Biden’s recent decision to withhold a package of arms, marking a significant shift in US policy. The Biden administration also issued a statement on Friday indicating that Israel’s use of US-supplied weapons might have breached international humanitarian law during its operations in Gaza, adding another layer of complexity to US-Israel relations amid the ongoing conflict.
