[Incoming Israeli Defense Minister Amir] Peretz 'will have to learn quickly'

Peretz. 'It doesn't matter who stands at the head of the security system.'
Photo: Eli Elgarat

Members of the defense establishment are not afraid of expressing themselves over the probable new incoming boss, Amir Peretz. His future conduct is regarded as a 'mystery,' and he is being given a chance, but under the carpet, a lack of faith is hiding

If Labor Chairman Amir Peretz becomes minister of defense, as is looking increasingly likely, he will have a lot to learn in his new position, senior security figures told Ynet.

"I don't think Amir Peretz will have a problem carrying out the role, it will be a little time before he understands how things work. There will only be a problem if he goes for revolutions, big changes," a defense source who worked for many years in the security sector told Ynet on Saturday, addressing the expected appointment of Peretz to the role of Defense Minister.

There is no doubt that Peretz's upcoming appointment will bring with it many changes, a new spirit. In recent weeks, since the idea was brought up, few opinions in the IDF and defense establishment were expressed over the possible appointment. No one spoke publicly, and no uniformed figures dared bet what the consequences of the step would be. Even among those who retired from their posts, there were split opinions on how Peretz would run the most sensitive system in Israel.

Even today, when the step seems closer than ever, most prefer not to voice opinions on the subject. Moshe Arens, former defense minister, said he had nothing to say. "I'm not an analyst," he explained. Another former senior figure in the defense establishment ruled: "This is mystery, only time will teach us about this step."

A man who served many years in the security explained: "In the security community, everybody knows their work, and it doesn't matter which defense minister stands at the head of the system. The IDF will continue to act, to offer its ways of operations for every situation that unfolds, as well as the remainder of the (security) arms. In the end, everything drains to the minister, in everyday meetings, and weekly situation analyses. He is the one who sees everything, mixes the information with the consequences of every operation beyond its physical borders, and decides what to do and not to do."

He added: "I don't think that there are those who would exploit the fact that he does not come from the defense establishment. In the end, everyone will be responsible for what they offer. Every failure will also be theirs. In my opinion, the first period will be a kind of mystery for all of us, but quickly the smoke will clear. If Peretz takes a person with security experience, and gives him experience beyond that of a deputy minister, the fog will dispel faster."

Security sources say that terror organizations always have motivation to carry out attacks, as many as possible and as most severe as possible, without connection to elections or holidays. There is also no connection to the appointment of a new defense minister, whether highly experienced or a new recruit. "I don't think the Islamic Jihad will prepare terror attacks specifically to mark the entrance of one defense minister to his role. All terror attacks want to carry out attacks all the time, and many of them are thwarted. It's clear that if a situation arises in which Peretz's entrance will be accompanied by a security escalation, he will have to learn the material very quickly and respond," the source explained.

Before Peretz, the ministry was manned by generals or at least figures who dealt with security matters for long period, including Moshe Arens, who stood at the head of the defense industries for years, and knows the material well. Peretz, who was released from the IDF many years ago with the rank of captain, will have to start at the beginning, and learn simple terms in order to learn his way around the material, or as a senior IDF officer said two weeks ago when the option of Peretz was not so clear, "he will have to undergo basic training in the full sense of the word."

I'm not thrilled with the idea of Moustache as Defense Minister in the least. I can only hope he takes the advice of seasoned professionals who know what they are doing.

ping. BTW, The Jerusalem Post is reporting the coalition as a done deal with Peretz in the Defense Ministry a certainty.

I thought he'd get the Foreign Ministry. This comes as something of a surprise.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

3 posted on 04/22/2006 11:17:18 PM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)

It looks likely Ephraim Sneh will be the real guy making day to day decisions at the Defense Ministry. He's the one who's a four star general. Peretz will sign off on whatever the defense establishment recommends.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

4 posted on 04/22/2006 11:25:12 PM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)

The analysis is that Peretz is being put where he can do "the least harm to Israel." We'll see, but this man is a "dove" of the worst kind. Its scary to me.

5 posted on 04/23/2006 1:18:21 AM PDT by Nextrush ("In war there is no substitute for victory"-General Douglas MacArthur -April 19, 1951)

I have read from multiple sources that this joker from labor fashions his mustache on purpose...

you see the new 'defense' minister is a an avid and proclaimed admirer of Stalin.

and no one bats an eye in the Israeli establishment.

6 posted on 04/23/2006 7:56:02 AM PDT by jabotinsky ("I die with Jabotinsky's name on my lips" - Shlomo b.Yosef, moments before his hanging by Brits)

Tzipi Livni (the real #2 in Kadima in terms of power, and Ehud Olmert's chosen successor) was promised any ministry she wanted. She took the Foreign Ministry and that was that. She has done a very good job so far as the international spokesperson for Israel. She is a good choice for her current job.

I hope you are right about Ephraim Sneh. While I may not agree with his politics he at least has the qulaifications to be Defense Minister.

You never know. Something like this could change him. Maybe he will overcompensate and give more aggressive orders - or defer to the security cheifs who tend to give more aggressive suggestions. I think it's time for the IDF to end the tit for tat and get on the aggressive side.

IMHO, they mustn't allow the PA to play musical chairs anymore. When the PLO ran things they were happy to let Hamas take credit for the terror. Now that Hamas is in charge, IDF mustn't let Islamic Jihad get away with the same game. IDF should target Islamic Jihad with impunity, which will put lots of pressure on Hamas.

Another post (your #9) I agree with 100%, at least in terms of what DM Peretz will need to do. Only time will tell.

It's a matter less of how to do it then what to do. Eisenhower was replaced by a rank amateur who, unfortunately did not know what had to be done. But a defense minister is not a president.

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