Israel Unexpectedly Dismisses Army Chief

[question everything]

AP
Israel Unexpectedly Dismisses Army Chief

Wed Feb 16, 9:09 AM ET

By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI, Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM - Israel's hardline defense minister unexpectedly cut short the term of his outspoken army chief, with a new commander to take over just days before the start of a planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip (news - web sites) this summer.

The curt dismissal of Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, announced in the middle of the night, triggered wall-to-wall criticism Wednesday, with many politicians and commentators accusing Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz of endangering the Gaza pullback because of personal tensions with his army chief.

Yaalon, widely seen as a successful commander, has frequently criticized government policy in the past, saying its harsh measures increased Palestinian hatred and violence.

Israel's parliament was expected to give final approval to the pullout plan later Wednesday, after a two-day debate. Some 70 of 120 legislators were to vote in favor, while about 40 lawmakers were to vote no, including more than a dozen from Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Likud Party.

More..
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=1312&e=3&u=/ap/20050216/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians_13

[Tempest]

1. Lead up to a Syria and Iran attack?

They're removing someone who criticized the Israeli violence in the Gaza Strip and will replace him with a hawk.

You can bet Iran and Syria are paying attention.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

2. That's where my mind went...

Just like Bush & Co. jettisoned our own Generals who were not towing the party line on Iraq...

[KissMeKate]

3. no, just pulling out of Gaza so they can stay in west bank

thats where all the water and land is anyways- They know they haave no reason to stay in Gaza- this makes Isreal think its the good guy by giving back some land while keeping the prize- the west bank.