Former US military intelligence official, Harrison Mann, made headlines on Monday after releasing a letter explaining his resignation from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in November. Mann cited “moral injury” as the reason for his departure, specifically pointing to US support for Israel’s war in Gaza and the harm caused to Palestinians.
Mann, an army major, is believed to be the first DIA official to resign over US support for Israel. His decision comes in the wake of a US airman’s self-immolation outside Israel’s embassy in Washington in February and other military personnel protesting the same issue.
In his letter to colleagues, Mann admitted to keeping quiet about his motives for resigning out of fear of violating professional norms and disappointing respected officers. He expressed shame and guilt for contributing to US policies that he believes have led to the mass killing of Palestinians.
The Defense Intelligence Agency has not yet responded to requests for comment on Mann’s resignation.
The escalating conflict in Gaza has led to over 35,000 Palestinian deaths and 78,827 injuries, with concerns growing over the lack of humanitarian aid allowed into the region by Israel. Pro-Palestinian protests have erupted on college campuses across the US, prompting Democrats in key battleground states to vote “uncommitted” in a show of dissatisfaction ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
President Joe Biden, a longtime supporter of Israel, recently put a hold on one package of arms in a significant policy shift. His administration has also criticized Israel for potentially violating international humanitarian law during its military operation in Gaza. This marks the strongest condemnation of Israel by the US government to date.