Sharon backs his defense minister

Prime Minister says Mofaz decided not to extend IDF chief's tenure due to working relationship

By Doron Shefer|Published: 02.21.05 , 12:34

JERUSALEM - Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz decided not to extend the tenure of Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon because their working relationship had deteriorated, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Monday, in his first public comments on the controversial decision.

It had become accepted practice for defense ministers to give IDF heads a one-year extension at the end of their three-year term, so some have interpreted Mofaz's decision not to do so as expressing dissatisfaction with Yaalon's performance.

Mofaz was IDF Chief of Staff prior to Yaalon.

Some have suggested the timing is problematic because it means the new IDF Chief of Staff will take his post just as Israel prepares to implements the evacuation of settlements called for by the disengagement plan, and Yaalon has been involved in preparing the military for this operation.

“I have great admiration for Mofaz and Yaalon," Sharon told reporters after meeting with President Moshe Katsav in Jerusalem. "Mofaz made the decision which is within his responsibilities, and it stemmed from the working relationship between the two."

IDF chief could step down early

On Sunday, Yaalon signaled his willingness to end his term earlier than planned if it would help implement the disengagement plan.

“I am open on this matter,” he said when asked when he would leave his post. “I will set my position in accordance with the interests of Israel’s security. My considerations have always been Israel’s security, and it will also be so on this issue.”

Yaalon refused to comment on whether he would recommnd either of the two candidates to lead the IDF – Dan Halutz and Gabi Ashkenazi – for the post.

'Settlers are the best people in the country'

Following his meeting with Katsav, the prime minister spoke to reporters about the difficulty the government had in deciding to evacuate settlements.

“This is a painful and difficult step,” Sharon said. “The settlers are the best people in the country who for years withstood terror attacks.

"This action is essential but it should be done with as little harm as possible to the settlers. Every effort will be made to ensure no one is harmed, God forbid. That is the responsibility and mission we all have.”

Sharon added that any progress in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians depends on Palestinian steps toward implementing the U.S.-backed road map peace plan.

“This is the agreement between President Bush and myself. At that time he spoke about the disengagement plan and, among other things, it was said that Israel would not be forced to deal with international pressure.

"The only possibility for progress is via the road map but this depends on the Palestinians making a series of steps, such as an end to terror, gathering weapons and reforms, mainly in security and other areas. If all this is dine, progress will be possible.”