Former IDF Chief Halutz joins Kadima
Halutz, who resigned as chief of staff following failures of Second Lebanon War, to compete for place on centrist party's Knesset list in next elections
Halutz, who began raisings funds from donations before entering politics, will compete for a place on the party's Knesset list in the next elections.
Halutz's arrival may threaten Knesset Member Shaul Mofaz's position as Kadima's "general". On Wednesday, Mofaz was appointed chairman of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee after MK Tzachi Hanegbi was forced to leave the parliament following a perjury conviction.
Halutz is facing a complicated mission, as his reputation among the Israeli public due to the failures of the Second Lebanon War has yet to be restored. He resigned as army chief in January 2007.
Halutz has received the backing of Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni, who believes that his inclusion in the party is a right public and political move.
"He is a worthy person as far as I'm concerned, and we need worthy people in politics," Livni said recently.
Livni on Thursday telephoned Halutz and welcomed his decision to join her party. "The State of Israel is in a time of important decisions as to its future, and Kadima is the real alternative which will move Israel forward to a better future. Together we'll work to improve Israel's image… Your willingness to continue to contribute to the public and society in Israel should be praised."
But not all Kadima officials are pleased. A senior party member noted in the past that Halutz "is not completely clean. People still remember the Second Lebanon War, as well as the Winograd Report. Restoring his public reputation in Kadima may damage Kadima in the long run."
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