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August 31, 2006
Gen. Yaalon Blogger Conference Call
Yesterday, Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon gave an excellent update on the current situation in Israel.
The General made the following powerful points:
1. The war in Lebanon was mismanaged by the political and senior military leadership of Israel, and was perceived as a victory for Hezbollah, Iran, and Syria.
2. The committee set up by Olmert is moot, as it is clear to that the war was mishandled by Israel's top leadership. Those responsible should resign and avoid a long political process.
3. A two-state solution is irrelevant at this time. No territorial compromise will settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in this generation, and probably not in the foreseeable 50 to 100 years. In the meantime, Israel needs to maintain its security operations and keep control of the West Bank, as it currently does.
4. Disengagement was created by "a culture of spin." The Israeli public was manipulated and deceived into believing that since they had no "partner," they needed to act unilaterally. In the last decade, the Israeli public was confused, deceived and manipulated by the media and political leadership. The public needs to gain clarity to understand the challenges they are facing.
5. During the Lebanon war, Israel foiled NINE major attempted attacks from the West Bank. All were encouraged by Hizbullah.
6. Yesterday, the head of the Shabak (Israel's Internal Security Service) briefed members of Knesset and warned them that Palestinians are smuggling large amounts of weapons into Gaza, and that the current situation is bound to lead to another Lebanon. The only way to avoid this course is for Israel to intensify its Gaza operations, and take control of the Philadelphia corridor.
7. Regarding the IDF - "I commanded the IDF until 15 moths ago... it is the army that stopped Palestinian terrorists, was ready to deal with all charges regarding conventional forces like Syria and the Iranian threat. It didn't suffer from a logistical problem... more soldiers were called up for Disengagement than the Lebanon war. The war didn't even use 10% of the IDF. Again, mismanagement of political and senior military leadership... Politicians will try to blame the military but this was a case of mis-management, not capabilities."
8. On Syria - "I didn't understand the declarations telling Assad not to be afraid. He should have been scared!" Again, mismanagement...
9. On Corruption within Israel's Leadership - "I worry about this phenomenon more than the Iranian threat, and we have to deal with it. Disengagement was because of corruption... the PM (Sharon) saved himself from investigations and unfortunately this still exists and is the most important challenge to deal with. Mismanagement...and incompetence of leadership is an outcome of corruption.
10. On personal plans - "My plan is to live in Israel, to be a part of the Shalem Center, to come out with clear ideas about what should be done... to save the State... in security, strategy, education... So far I am not going to join any political party. I am going to do what is needed for the State in the future, like I did in the past, and like I am doing today.
To go to One Jerusalem and the audio link, please click here.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at August 31, 2006 08:31 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
It's quite interesting to see Yaalon, who to my mind exemplifies the old-time kibbutz values of self-sacrifice and self-abnegation for the good of the State, speak so openly about the shortcomings of the government. It is a sign that the problem is even worse than we imagine.
I notice too that he criticizes the Sharon government for abandoning the Philadelphia corridor. There is no question that the withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza was a terrible move.
Posted by: kishke at August 31, 2006 10:57 AM
I find using bloggers as megaphones for unofficial views, a very interesting political development. I'm sure it has some parallel in history, but can't think of what right now. That's the kind of thing Steven den Beste would know.
Posted by: Yehudit at August 31, 2006 04:48 PM
Yehudit:
Surely the parallel must be the political pamphlets used by the American (and French) revolutionaries, where officials were often quoted off the record, but everyone knew who they were.
And I have no idea who Steven den Beste is. But what a great name for a character in a movie. Thanks!
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.seraphicpress.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at August 31, 2006 04:54 PM