World Jewish News

Moshe Yaalon: Politicians Less Prepared for the Operation than the Military

Moshe Yaalon: Politicians Less Prepared for the Operation than the Military
The editorial office of NEWSru.co.il addressed the former Chief of IDF General Staff Moshe (Bogie) Ya'alon ("Likud") and asked to comment on the progress of the Cast Lead anti-terrorist operation in Gaza.
What actions do you believe the army should undertake during the third phase of the Cast Lead operation?
I do not think advice can be given through the media, but I want to point out that the most important thing is to maintain coordination between the military and politicians. Unfortunately, the situation at the recent meetings of the Narrow Cabinet and Government has not been what I would like to see. Disputes and disagreements are legitimate, one can and should argue, but you can not just argue without making decisions. Because of this, during the last week, it might look like there is no coordination between the army and the government. Hopefully, the new decisions by the Government will improve this situation.
When will we be able to say that the operation has been successfully completed?
The Government has set two goals – to stop missile shelling of Israeli cities and halt the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. When these goals are achieved, then, from the government’s standpoint, the operation can be considered successfully completed. Today, those goals still have not been achieved.
What prevents the achievement of these goals?
I believe that there are problems with the political leadership, however, the reasons are not clear. Perhaps the politicians are not so well prepared for the operation as the military. One way or another, but the current situation in the UN Security Council contradicts Israel's interests, and even the U.S. did not prevent the adoption of the resolution that1 does not satisfy Israel. This is not very good, but not all is lost, and the government can improve the situation. The Government must continue to act tough in order to achieve the stated objectives.
What does not satisfy Israel in the UN Security Council resolution number 1860?
I believe that no resolutions of the UN Security Council and no multinational forces will protect the interests of Israel. The experience of previous resolutions, especially the number 1701 on Lebanon, shows that we should not count on the success of these resolutions. Resolution number 1701 did not make Hezbollah disarm, and UN troops do not prevent the smuggling of weapons into Lebanon. "Hezbollah" does not fire missiles at Israel not because of the resolutions, but because of the IDF deterrent force. Therefore, we need to change the rules of the game, so that in the future we can rely on the deterrent effect and enjoy freedom of action. If Hamas violates the conditions that will be established at the end of the operation, we will need to react immediately and not wait as long as this time, all the while suffering from attacks.
- Now negotiations on the terms of the ceasefire in Gaza are in progress in Egypt. How do you assess the role of Cairo in the negotiations process?
The truce, signed under the mediation of Egypt, was taken in Cairo and Gaza as Israel's weakness. During that time, Hamas got rockets, which it previously did not have and which are used today to shell Be'er Sheva, Ashdod and Gedera. Such a truce should not be signed.
Can you point out any deficiencies in the actions of the Israeli army?
No, this is not the time to talk about it. I see the army, doing an excellent job, the army that I led myself during the successful fight against terror in Judea and Samaria. One of the lessons of the Second Lebanon War is the need to use the army correctly. What we have called flaws and failures during the Lebanon war happened because of the improper use of troops.
I cannot but mention the strength of the people. I spend a lot of time in the south, meet with local residents, with the heads of local councils, visit the wounded in hospitals, visit the relatives of the deceased. I visited the family of Alexander Moshovitsky, a soldier killed in Gaza. Our nation is strong, it is patiently waiting for the problem of the terrorist threat from Gaza to be solved.
We have a strong nation and strong army. The government has yet to reach the same level, I hope it will improve.
Interviewed by Michael Borodkin