Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Israeli Army Chief of Staff goes bye-bye

Israeli top military dog Dan Halutz has resigned over his role in Israel's less-than-triumphant war with Hezbollah last summer.

This is not a big surprise, as everyone from civilians to casualties and their families to the military elite has been critical of the conduct of operations in southern Lebanon. However, it is worth noting that Halutz is the first Chief of Staff since David Elazar in 1974 to get canned. Elazar, you may (or not) recall, was the guy in charge when Israel got caught with their pants down in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. It's interesting, and telling, that the Israelis are treating the failed go at Hezbollah as seriously as the biggest military foul-up in the brief history of the country.

Omert is next, of course. If this doesn't get him, the bank thing will. It's hard to say who's next in the Prime Minister's office.

I know it's a waste of energy to do this, but I can't help but wonder what things would be like if Ariel Sharon had said "no" to a few potato latkes in his life. Very different, that's sure. A lot better? I certainly think so.

No comments: