_A.jpg "Photo: Eli Elgarat")
IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz
Photo: Eli Elgarat
Army chief undergoes hospital tests, released
Halutz complains of abdominal pains, sent home after tests show no irregular findings
IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz underwent a series of tests in the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv on Friday after suffering from abdominal pains. The tests showed no irregular findings, and Halutz was sent home to rest.
Halutz, 58, the first army chief to come from the ranks of the air force, assumed the position chief of staff in July 2005.
Five years earlier Halutz was appointed commander of the IAF. During his term in the air force, Halutz had spurred public and media rows several times after making controversial statements.
In one of his most infamous comments, Halutz referred to his feelings when carrying an air strike over Gaza, following similar IAF attacks that claimed the lives of Palestinian civilians, and said: "All I feel is a slight bump in the craft when the bomb is released. A second later it passes."
Following this statement a petition was filed with the High Court of Justice against Halutz that was eventually rejected.
Meital Yasur-Beit Or contributed to the report
