In an unprecedented move, Army Maj. Harrison Mann, a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Army, publicly resigned from his position at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the military on Monday, citing the American government’s policy on Gaza as the reason.
Mann, who has specialized in the Middle East and Africa for half of his military career, announced on LinkedIn, posting a “lightly edited” version of his resignation letter, which he had initially distributed internally on April 16.
Mann’s resignation letter, addressed to his colleagues at the Middle East/Africa Regional Center, is a scathing critique of the Biden administration’s continued support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
Defense Intelligence Agency Loses Officer Over Moral Objections to Gaza Policy
He writes that the DIA’s policy of “nearly unqualified support for the government of Israel” has enabled and empowered the killing and starvation of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians.
Mann reflects on his own role in the military, acknowledging that he has “unquestionably contributed” to this unconditional support through his work at the DIA.
He expresses deep shame and guilt, stating that the horrific images of the conflict have made it impossible for him to ignore the connection between his duties and the suffering in Gaza.
Mann’s resignation is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from government positions in protest of the administration’s policy on Gaza.
His decision to speak out publicly is a testament to the growing discontent among military and government officials with the U.S. response to the crisis.
As the conflict continues to escalate, Mann’s resignation serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of political decisions and the need for accountability and moral courage in public service.
