Barak praises chief of staff
Photo: Ariel Hermoni
Barak says has faith in Ashkenazi
Defense minister speaks during Bedouin parade, says chief of staff contributed enormously to IDF but change is natural, important
Following ongoing tension between them, Defense Minister Ehud Barak praised Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi on Wednesday, saying he was one of the best chiefs of staff ever to serve the IDF. He added, however, that "changing the chief of staff once every four years is inevitable, and the current circumstances made this necessary."
During a visit to the Yechiam Convoy Memorial Park in the western Galilee, Barak spoke about his announcement that Ashkenazi's tenure will not be extended beyond the original date of termination, February 2011.
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"I have complete faith in and great respect for the chief of staff and his enormous contribution to the IDF in the years following the second Lebanon war," he said. "He outlined directions for the IDF's future development and its achievements, from Operation Cast Lead to many smaller operations – some known to the public and some unknown."
"As one who was once the chief of staff, and is serving as defense minister for the second time, I can say that changing the chief of staff once every four years is natural, important, and the right thing for the IDF," Barak said. "In the current circumstances, it was necessary to announce that the chief of staff would end his service at the completion of his four-year term."
The Yechiam Convoy Memorial Park was the site of a parade by young Bedouin leaders in which participants of projects for Bedouin youth in the north also took part.
Minister for Minority Affairs Avishay Braverman (Labor) was also present, and said that the state needs to do more to ensure equality for young Bedouins. "You deserve this just as much as my own children do," he said. "And today my children get more than you. The onus is on us to do something about it."
Barak referred to the Bedouin combat units and their roles in Israel's wars, including some soldiers he had known personally. He described the deprivation he had seen in recent years during his visits to Bedouin towns but also claimed there had been enormous progress during the last 50 years.
"You are far further forward than your grandparents were," he said, "but still far from what the state can and must grant. The state is hugely indebted to you."
