Mofaz publicly backs Halutz
Former defense minister voices support for army chief he appointed, following publication of stock affair: 'I appreciate his many contributions to the State of Israel and his quality as a person, officer, and commander'
At least three ministers voiced their support for the IDF chief of staff, Dan Halutz, on Tuesday, following the publication of the sale of his shares on the day two soldiers were kidnapped on the northern border and war broke out.
Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, who appointed Halutz, backed him up Tuesday evening.
"I know Danny Halutz for many years, I appreciate his many contributions to the State of Israel and his quality as a person, officer, and commander," he said.
Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter said that what was done to Halutz Tuesday morning was "a disgrace."
"You don’t do such a thing to an army chief who has soldiers fighting on the battlefield. The fighting isn't over yet and the chief of staff shouldn't have been targeted," he stated.
Minister of the Environment Gideon Ezra also referred to the affair, and said: "The army chief is also a private man and his financial affairs shouldn't be probed. The attention that has been given to this ordeal was blown out of proportions."
Knesset Member Yoram Marciano (Labor), on the other hand, sent a letter to Defense Minister Amir Peretz, calling on him to fire Halutz.
Marciano wrote to Peretz that since Halutz's mind was apparently not on the war on the day that it broke out, but rather on his financial portfolio, he should therefore be dismissed.
According to Marciano, Halutz's behavior attested to the character of "our number one soldier and his regard for the Israel Defense Forces."
Attila Somfalvi contributed to the story
