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Peretz 'will have to learn quickly'
Hanan Greenberg
Published: 22.04.06, 19:53
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29 Talkbacks for this article
1. He lacks experience
Navi ,   Canada   (04.22.06)
Israel's defense forces should be headed by someone with experience and tactical knowledge, not someone who's future actions are a 'mystery' and who will have to learn what to do. This is too crucial a time to take a chance.
2. Israel needs a revolution, NOW!
Josh ,   Jerusalem   (04.22.06)
I just hope he doesn't ruin too much in the next 4 years, but with the upcoming government in sight, I seriously doubt there will be anything left to ruin.
3. An insane situation
Chaya ,   Bat Yam   (04.22.06)
We are in the middle of a war and Peretz needs to go through training?? This is insanity!!
4. Boot Camp?
Jim Brown ,   Cookeville USA   (04.22.06)
The alarming part is that Olmert is weak in military affairs also.
5. The Jewish people
yakov shani ,   afula   (04.22.06)
have been afflicted with plagues and pestilence all throughout their history but to self inflict is pure insanity.
6. Odd decision. Let's only hope he'll succeed
Caroline ,   Israel   (04.22.06)
If we had time, I'd say: wait and see. Unfortunately there is no time for training. Hamas will react to this appointment immediatly and this will be the real time test. I am against this appointment, but if it has already been done, I hope that I am wrong and just wish him success for the sake of all of us.
7. What's wrong?
Jordi Gomis ,   Barcelona, Spain   (04.22.06)
with having a civilian as defense minister? most western countries, not to say all, have them. Israel is too obsessed with military parafernalia...having militars in the job did't give you any 100% security, so i really do not understand why is it so wrong for you. Hopefully Peretz will surprise all of you and show you that you don't need to be a high rank general in order to keep the pals in their place...it's funny anyway, cos after you do not care to have a high ranked militar in the economy portfolio as Netanyahu was...shalom everyone and peace for israel
8. To Jim Brown
Jordi Gomis ,   arcelona, Spain   (04.22.06)
...so what? all your strong people in military affairs are getting their asses kicked in Iraq, leading to death many young americans who don't even know why the hell they are there...before critizising israel on it's military affairs, check on yours first, cos i do not have the feeling Iraq and Afghanistan are going the way you wished. Peace for Israel
9. Amir Peretz
Motti ,   SA   (04.22.06)
Amir Peretz joined the army, passed an officers course and served as an ordnance officer in the parachute brigade. On the 22nd of April 1974 he was severely wounded in a military preparation in the Mitleh, Sinai. He had his first operation at the field hospital of Refidim and afterwards he was hospitalized for a very long period, which extended for two years. During a whole year Amir was confined to a bed and afterwards he used a wheelchair to get around until he returned to walk, contrarily to his doctors' predicaments. http://www.amirperetz.co.il/English2nd.htm
10. Surprised??!!!!!
Anakin ,   Jerusalem   (04.22.06)
The major problem is that after all what happened, all what is still happenning, the Israeli people still believe in peace!!!! (the question was always "with who" especially that now you have Hamas!). So Israel people made their first major mistake by electing Ehud Olmert who thinks himself the new "Ghandi" and now they will get the first gift (or responsible act) from him: Amir Peretz, a guy with no clue about defense, will be responsible of defending the country against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and Al Qaeda!
11. Another Insane Step
Sam Weinstein ,   USA   (04.22.06)
While some of his ideas on economics I agree with his foreign policy and defense ideals are idiotic. Another insane step by the left wing Israeli Goverment.
12. his ego
jason white ,   afula,israel   (04.22.06)
His ego is our national disaster. I hope the next govt. tries these incompetent fools for placing our country in such danger.
13. Why not give it to Ami Ayalon? Hes more experienced
(04.23.06)
14. What is everyone so worried about?
Jonathan Levi ,   Jerusalem Israel   (04.23.06)
I fail to see the big problem. So what ifPeretz isin't too experienced, big deal. When the palestinians take over Israel Peretz will start a big strike and all the Israeli soldiers will go on strike. Who cares if we lose the country I mean afterall with Peretz we can go on strike so whose complaning? it could be far worse. We could actually start defending the country for a change but between you and me I'm happy picketing with good ol Peretz. (for those of you blokes devoid of any humor this is a purely sarcastic post)
15. A change for the better?
Art ,   Sydney, Australia   (04.23.06)
Let's face it, none of the previous occupants of the this job have brought security to Israel (yes, I agree, forget about "peace", that's a myth; only goal is as good security as we can get). So let's give this guy a chance. In any event, the way i understand it, the IDF is chock-full of experienced military people, who will guide the day-to-day ops of the IDF anyway.
16. Peretz as defense minister: BIG MISTAKE!!!!!
(04.23.06)
17. A General is needed for Defense Minister
Brod ,   Marshall, USA   (04.23.06)
At a time when Israel is facing an imminent external threat to its existence by Iran, Israel must have a General to be the Minister Defense. Warfare in the 21st century is highly high tech. Hence, a high tech country like Israel cannot afford to have a regular person managing its Defense Ministry. Even if Peretz wants it, Olmert should be strong enough to say NO. The country's interest comes first before any personal or political interest.
18. reply to #8 (Jordi)
sk ,   USA   (04.23.06)
And YOUR people suffered one terrorist attack, panicked, elected a socialist, and ran out of Iraq with their tails between their legs. Shortly thereafter, you were ALMOST a victim again; evidently, the Muslims were not impressed by your moral courage. Nobody knows whether Muslims in general and Arabs in particular are capable of stable democracy. Even Turkey seems to be going downhill. But at least the US knows how to defeat tyrants in the first place. In contrast, Spain runs away. As is typical in continental Europe, it free-rides on American military might while badmouthing the US. Spain is great at civil war, though.
19. Amir Peretz and Defense Portfolio
(04.23.06)
I guess Israel is the only country where a wounded vet is considered a newbie on defense. If Peretz only had the defense credentials of Bush II or Cheney...
20. It doesn't matter...
Ronen ,   T.O.   (04.23.06)
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense make their decisions based on the army General's advice and the different intelligence agencies. So Peretz's experience is not an issue here... So what will Mofaz do now? Run for the head of Histadrut?
21. Will it really be different?
Larry ,   Eastbourne, UK   (04.23.06)
Yes, Peretz as Defence Minister may sound hilarious, but why presume that this will entail a change in overall defence policy and practice?
22. Go Amir !!
Uziel   (04.22.06)
Put the minimum wage in 1.000$ for every soldier, and if the Ministry doesn´t agree build a trade Union and go to strike!!
23. Olmert has abandoned Israel's security
Israeli taxpayer   (04.23.06)
Olmert gave us the Hamas. Now he is putting the defense of the State of Israel in the hands of a clown. Olmert is only interested in his own ties to big money.
24. good move
izzy f s   (04.23.06)
so what are the key desired qualities of a defense minister: able to deal with new developments quickly and learn in real time know when to shoot and when to show restraint listen closely to the guys in the field know when to keep your hot headed generals under wraps think with your head and not with your gut stay cool and don't blink in the heat of confrontation mmmm sounds a lot like the qualities of good Union leader to me.
25. I worry about his integrity not his ability
Ilan ,   Ariel   (04.23.06)
Peretz managed the Histadrut, a fairly complex organization, and his management skills are probably better than the norm for a minister in an Israeli government. The PM usually sets policy so I see no technical problem. The problem with Peretz is that he has a bad track record in terms of clean politics. While that may be a credential in a Kadima government it should cause the average Israeli concern.
26. very limited experience in defense
alan ,   frisco   (04.23.06)
if #9's link to the Peretz web site is an indication of all of Peretz's experience in defense, I hope he brings experienced subordinates with him. Social welfare and wages are important considerations. Nor should anyone discount his service for which he payed dearly. But the appointment to this portfolio should cause some to hold their breath.
27. Peretz as minister of defence
leah amdur ,   Jerusalem Israel   (04.23.06)
If Olmert gave us Hamas, good for him. We need Hamas to keep reminding ourselves not to assimilate with the arabs. Its better for us when our enemies hate us than when they love us. The G-d of Israel protects us, not the defence force or the minister of defence. I wish Peretz would either shave off his moustache or grow a beard. His moustache looks ridiculous. Maybe army regulations will tell him to shave it off when he is minister of defence
28. I agree with Israeli Taxpayer (No. 23)
Johnny Weintraub ,   Sugar Land, Texas US   (04.23.06)
29. He already sits on his ass eating donuts.
(04.23.06)
What other qualifications does he need?
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