Army officer steps down due to moral conflict over US backing of Gaza’s ‘ethnic cleansing’

US Army Officer Resigns in Protest Against Biden Administration’s Support for Israel’s War on Gaza

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the US military and intelligence community, Major Harrison Mann publicly resigned from the Department of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in protest against the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s war on Gaza. Mann, who served as a US Army officer for 13 years, cited the “nearly unqualified support” the US has provided to Israel, which he believes has enabled the killing and starvation of innocent Palestinians in Gaza.

In a heartfelt resignation letter posted on LinkedIn, Mann explained his decision to leave the agency, stating, “At some point…you’re either advancing a policy that enables [the] mass starvation of children, or you’re not.” He expressed deep regret for his role in advancing a policy that he believes has led to the suffering of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.

Mann’s resignation marks the first time a US Army officer and member of the intelligence community has publicly resigned in protest against US support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. His departure follows similar resignations within the Department of State, including the high-profile departure of Josh Paul, a former director overseeing US arms transfers, and Annelle Sheline, a foreign affairs officer.

Acknowledging his junior role at DIA, Mann reflected on the horrific images of the conflict in Gaza that have weighed heavily on his conscience. He expressed shame and guilt over his perceived complicity in the suffering of innocent civilians and lamented the lack of action from his colleagues in addressing the issue.

Mann, who has European Jewish ancestry, revealed that he felt haunted by his failure to uphold moral standards in the face of what he described as ethnic cleansing. His resignation letter highlights the internal struggle he faced between his military duties and his personal opposition to US support for Israel.

The timing of Mann’s resignation is significant as US-Israel defense ties are under scrutiny, with President Biden considering withholding offensive arms from Israel over alleged violations of international humanitarian law. A recent report released by the Biden administration found reasonable grounds to believe that Israel used American-supplied weapons in a manner inconsistent with international law.

Mann’s courageous decision to resign in protest has sparked a conversation within the military and intelligence community about the ethical implications of US support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. His willingness to speak out against policies he believes are unjust serves as a reminder of the importance of moral courage and integrity in the face of difficult decisions.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, Major Harrison Mann’s resignation stands as a powerful statement against the status quo and a call for accountability and justice in the pursuit of peace in the region.