JERUSALEM - Mofaz’s decision not to extend IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon’s term by another year shocked the country’s political establishment.
Mofaz’s move spurredindignation and bewilderment among several politicians.
Knesset Member Danny Yatom (Labor), a former IDF major general and Mossad chief,said “the replacement of the chief of staff and Shin Bet security services head a moment before the Gaza disengagement is irresponsible, careless, and inexplicable.”
Knesset Member Avshalom Vilan (Yachad) said the decision is “scandalous.”
“I call on the Prime Minister to reject Mofaz’s decision,” he said.
Knesset Member Ilan Shalgi (Shinui) said Mofaz’s decision is damaging to the IDF and the disengagement plan.
“The chief of staff is leading the IDF successfully with many achievements regarding the fight against terror,” he said. “Mofaz is acting on petty egotistical considerations, and he would be responsible for the consequences.”
Knesset Member Yossi Sarid (Yachad), a veteran member of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said “It is clear Yaalon was a more decent chief of staff than Mofaz.”
He said the timing of Mofaz’s decision was “odd” and “raises many concerns and suspicions.”