Kaplinsky withdraws candidacy for IDF chief
Deputy chief of staff justifies move with 'need for wide consensus' on identity of Halutz's successor; defense minister ends consultations on new army chief, will make official recommendation to Olmert before announcing choice; Gabi Ashkenazi is most likely candidate
Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky withdrew his candidacy for the Israel Defense Forces' top job on Sunday, justifying the move with the need for a "wide consensus" on the identity of Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz's successor.
Kaplinsky said in a letter to Defense Minister Amir Peretz that he decided to drop out of the race due to the fact that the Winograd Commission has yet to conclude its investigation into the recent war in Lebanon, adding that it would be ‘inappropriate’ and detrimental to the army's rehabilitation efforts to appoint someone who took part in the war and may be blamed for its failures.
"I believe, sir, that I have the experience, capability and authority to fill the role of chief of staff and carry it out in a way that would best serve the IDF, its soldiers and the State of Israel,” Kaplinsky wrote.
- IDF Chief Halutz resigns – full coverage
“However, the IDF is the people’s army, and therefore the chief of staff appointment should have as wide a consensus as possible.”
'We prefer joint announcement'
He added: As you have already decided, according to the reports, to appoint a chief of staff soon and not wait for the conclusions on the facts related to the war, I feel that it would be inappropriate for me to take on the chief of staff job at this moment in time.
Kaplinsky sent the letter only after receiving word that Peretz is likely to recommend Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi for the post.
Ealier Peretz concluded his consultations regarding the appointment of a new chief of staff, but his identity will only be announced once the defense minister relays his recommendation to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Ashkenazi is widely expected to be appointed to the sensitive post, as Israel seeks to rehabilitate its army after last summer's poor performance against Hizbullah.
Tensions are high between Olmert and Peretz, Olmert's aides said, over fears that the defense minister would announce his choice prior to consulting with the prime minister.
"We prefer that the defense minister meet with the prime minister … and together they decide and make a joint announcement," officials said.
Peretz is pushing Olmert to make a fast decision in a bid to restore order in the IDF General Staff.
Officials fear that should Ashkenazi be appointed, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky would resign in protest at the decision which he would interpret as a no-confidence vote.
