Maj. Gen. Eli Zeira, who died last month at 97, was once seen as a future chief of staff but became infamous for his role as head of Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Zeira repeatedly dismissed mounting evidence of an imminent attack by Egypt and Syria, blocking the mobilization of Israeli reserves and relying on his own assessments despite warnings from colleagues and foreign intelligence sources. His steadfast belief in a 'low probability' of war left Israel unprepared for the surprise assault, leading to heavy initial losses and a national crisis of confidence.

After the war, Zeira was dismissed for 'grave failures' by the Agranat Commission, which also criticized the army's stagnant doctrine. Despite his later attempts to shift blame and his controversial leaking of a top Egyptian spy's identity, Zeira remained a divisive figure, remembered for his costly misjudgments and the enduring impact they had on his country and career.