Opinion
The IDF’s real problem
Eitan Haber
Published: 08.07.12, 12:30
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20 Talkbacks for this article
1. The fact of the matter is that the Army is weak and in dire
Al   (07.08.12)
need of some real leadership. The past COSs over the past 10 years have been disasters. There is a culture of laziness and "I dont give a damn" and it shows. When an Atmy is more concerned about being PC, then you know you are in trouble. Dump the current COS ramp up the training , make sure it sticks and discipline your soldiers. Israels very existence is at stake.
2. The top brass have become cowardly and lazy....
Thank you!!!! ,   Israel   (07.08.12)
They prefer to watch their stock results than train in the field.... They prefer to give the Arabs what they want than have to defend Israel... They want "piece" for Israel, not because it will bring peace but because its easier than fighting for our soveignty and keeps their stocks going up up up... In short, the top IDF brass ARE the problem, not part of the solution.
3. Not unique to IDF
Menachem ,   Israel   (07.08.12)
The US, British and other leading armies have experienced similar and worse problems that Haber describes in the IDF. Israel certainly doesn't have the luxury to be complacecent but the fact remains: IDF is one of the world's strongest defense forces and its capabilities outclass those of Israel's enemies.
4. I don't think there will be seclusion or shabbat permit now.
Miron ,   USA   (07.08.12)
But I do think we will be flogging for a lot of guys of the mind like that author... You know... if you can get a Jewish guy out of Gush Katiff you can make him drive a chariot on Shabbath. And if you don't know how... you are not the first to say "we didn't know", remember? So, my dear "haredim" from Tel - Aviv. Cut your peisaches and trim your beards. The service is acoming.
5. Part of the problem yes
Gee ,   Zikron Yaakov   (07.08.12)
The Reserves have not been given either the equipment or training that they need to function. Nor has the Navy. The Air Force just wants the F-35 no matter how bad it is or costs. That is where a huge portion of the budget is going. The generals are another problem - they are appointed on their political leanings (ie left) and not on their ability.
6. "to live their utterly different lives..
dr harry ,   jerusalem   (07.08.12)
in complete separation. YES, Mr Haber, exactly the way Jewish people are to live. You have it backwards. In the Holy Land of Israel, YOU are living in an utterly different lives, in complete separation, from Judaism. Is that what we waited for 2000 years??? YOU should have stayed where you are to continue living like Gentiles. Isn't that what you want, to fit in, be like the other nations of the World. If it wasn't for Torah, You, Me, the World, would be destroyed. Besides, what will be next, to complain about, if or when, ALL go & Serve the Golden Idol, The Peoples Army? The IDF doesn't have a problem, you do!!!
7. It starts at the top
M.J. Eizen ,   Petah Tikvah, Israel   (07.08.12)
Our soldiers see weak leadership from our politicians who do not stand strong for Israel's rights; and we expect them to take their duty seriously? When our politicians take a stand and assert our rights, the fighting spirit will return to the army. We can start by booting out that coward known as the Defense Minister.
8. How about this?
Shimon ,   Cincinnati, USA   (07.08.12)
1. No concessions. You serve where you'e told. You desert? You go to jail. 2. Take away all the fancy crap offered as perks to he brass. You serve too. Don't want to? No 'political' job waiting for you after discharge. 3. Army not ready? Exercises not being done? No salaries until it is.
9. #2 I think Israeli General Should Step Down .....
World Citizen ,   the world   (07.08.12)
And Total Military Command Should Be Given Over To You. From the sound of it you could leverage your vast armchair general knowledge and experience into a life of real military conquest. Who knows, you might become the next Rommel, Gudarian or even Patton.
10. Is it Time to end the draft
(07.08.12)
It is time to consider ending all compulsory military serviice for everyone . Quality not quantity .
11. #6 dr - wrong
solomon ,   bklyn   (07.08.12)
The world was almost destroyed, most recently in WW2. And it wasn’t orthodox Jews that saved it. The fallacy is believing we Jews are chosen to be better than anyone else. We are NOT chosen to be better than anyone else. We are chosen to spread the Ten Commandments. Even a non Jew can get to heaven by following [only] the laws of Noah. Another fallacy is believing that orthodox Jews are the only ‘real’ Jews. Look around at the world we live in. Look up the names of those responsible for our civilized society. There may be many orthodox among them. But most are not orthodox nor Jews.
12. to #10 Either everyone serves or no one!
jason white ,   afula,israel   (07.08.12)
Look at the U.S. voluteer army. They have people who have done three, four and more tours of duty. We need everyone serving and to spread the burden of defending Israel amongst the whole population and not a few. Many volunteers could not even get a job at McDonalds flipping burgers,
13. #8 this is not America ....
David ,   Israel   (07.08.12)
All you said , maybe right , but doesn't work on corrupt societies , which includes all the Middle East , great part of Asia , South and Central America , and so on .... Maybe there only a very few countries where corruption is not the standard way of life , from the bottom to the top of their citizens .
14. I.D.F. should be sent out only to achieve total victory.
Chaim ,   Israel   (07.09.12)
It has been a long time since the I.D.F. was actually sent out to win! Incredible but true. Olmert sent the I.D.F. to prepare the ground for lunatic retreats. Ofter the I.D.F. is sent out to "teach them a lesson" or for other ridiculous reasons. The I.D.F. should be prepared to achieve total resounding victory. It should be sent out only to achieve total resounding victory.
15. @13 That's why we need Livni and Liberman.
Miron ,   USA   (07.09.12)
the defining part of democracy is not that it does right or lacks corruption. It is that we have the power to define who our leaders are. It's time to put an end to 160 day flowers.
16. Obama is DOWN SIZING
BEN JABO (MACHAL) ,   ISRAEL   (07.09.12)
America's military, ISRAEL CAN'T AFFORD TO DO ANY SUCH STUPID THING
17. All I said was: You crack me up, man!
Israeli 2   (07.09.12)
It is your face! Look at it. You are a TRUE GREAT Master Baiter.
18. This is not the IDFs problem
Shavouznik ,   Rehovot   (07.09.12)
The IDF and most Israelis have lost their can do attitude you can't blame the army. The army is just a reflection of what the people have made the army. My day is very frustrating I am a volunteer in the army and I do very remedial work with no effect in the army and what they tell me to keep me from being sad is "the army is the army you can't change it" I don't want to change it I just want them to stop wasting their human resources and make their people do meaningful work. I can rant for days on this but it just tires me out.
19. #15. We need Livni to retire quietly.
Chaim ,   Israel   (07.09.12)
#15. Livni was an absolute disgrace as an Israeli leadership hopeful. The only benefit she ever brought Israel was the implosion of Kadima. Which was the opposite of what she tried to achieve. We need Livni to retire quietly.
20. #17 Who were you talking to ?
BEN JABO ,   ISRAEL   (07.09.12)
Do you send mail without bothering to put an address on the envelope?
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