Dan Halutz says his goodbyes
Photo: IDF Spokesperson
IDF chief takes final flight
In his final days as chief of staff, Dan Halutz says his goodbyes, visits bases, takes his final flight in uniform. "When the sun sets in one place, it rises in another," he says
Taking his last flight in uniform, IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz parted with the military on Wednesday.
Halutz resigns
No one will rave about Halutz's historic achievement: breaking glass ceiling by being first chief of staff to come from Air Force. Many make connection between this achievement and disaster that came year later – war in Lebanon. Profile of man leaving IDF
Taking off with the Negev squadron's deputy commander on an F-16I jet, Halutz held a practice flight which included navigation and attack.
Flying alongside them was Israel Air Force commander, Major-General Eliezer Shkedi.
"One thing I learned in the air force that stayed with me during the war, was the ability to inquire, which is based on accountability among other things. Accountability is not guilt, and it is the importance of inquiry," said Halutz during the visit.
Halutz's final flight. Photo: IDF Spokesperson
Shkedi showed his gratitude to Halutz and said, "we appreciate what you have done for the air force, the IDF, and the State. We know who you are and what you are worth, and you will never part from the air force family."
During the event, held in Halutz's honor, Shkedi presented him with a Torah book and a picture as a keepsake.
Halutz emotionally responded, saying that "there is a rule in life that says that when the sun sets in one place, it rises in another. We should look at the rising suns, and not just the setting suns."
During the week Halutz also held farewell visits in the Southern, Central and Northern Commands, and on one occasion addressed the land troops, saying, "I have faith in you, I trust you and I love you. Soon I will be needing your protection."
