Free Republic

Defense source: Defense budget must be changed A top defense source: We decided to how we’d bridge the differences in the first quarter, but no [US] aid arrived. Dror Marom 4 Mar 03 11:55“The defense budget must be changed,” a top defense sources said, adding that a decision will be taken before the end of the month. Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz claims it is impossible to cut more than NIS 900 million from the 2003 defense budget, compared with the basis for the 2002 budget. He said the Ministry of Finance supports a cut of NIS 4-5 billion, which...

IDF Marching With The Times Defense Minister Shaul MofazThe IDF opened a new technological wing yesterday, to be known as the "Agaf HaTikshuv" - the C4I Directorate. C4I stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence. The launching ceremony was held yesterday in the presence of Defense Minister Mofaz and IDF Chief of Staff Yaalon. Maj.-Gen. Yitzchak Harel will head the new wing, which incorporates the spheres of communication, computers, and information technology. The Chief of Staff said at the ceremony, "This is a groundbreaking event in a new age - a challenge with a vision. There is great...

Mar. 4, 2003 Defense Minister: Israel seeks no involvement in Iraq war By THE JERUSALEM POST INTERNET STAFF Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told the cabinet today that while the chances are low that the country would be attacked in the event of an Iraq war, Israel is preparing for the likelihood that such a conflict will erupt. His remarks were reported in a cabinet communique as the head of military intelligence told the Knesset that Israel assesses a US-led campaign on Iraq could be underway as soon as next week. Mofaz "stressed that this is not Israel's war and that...

Silence about Joseph´s Tomb Desecration The government has still said and done nothing about the desecration of Joseph's Tomb in Shechem - and the army is not happy about it. Senior IDF officials say that the government's apathy is costing Israel a price in both the religious and security spheres. They feel that the PA interprets it as a weakness of the Israeli military. Their recommendation is to repair the damage and to ensure permanent Israeli presence - if not of civilians, then at least of IDF forces. IDF officers showed Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz photos of the damage, which...

Feb. 25, 2003 Sharon's prospective new cabinet By THE JERUSALEM POST INTERNET STAFF Assuming the rightist National Union goes ahead with plans to sign a coalition agreement tonight with the Likud, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's new cabinet will have a number of new players with just several top ministers remaining the same. Binyamin Netanyahu will likely stay on as foreign minister, and Shaul Mofaz will continue as defense minister. Also expected to continue in her post is Education Minister Limor Livnat. The rest of the lineup is likely to be different, according to media reports. Ehud Olmert, the former mayor...

20:50 Feb-19-03, 17 Adar 5763 DM Mofaz: Gaza Operation Aimed At Hamas(IsraelNN.com) Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz announced the ongoing IDF and GSS (General Security Service – Shin/Bet) activities in Gaza would continue as part of the war against the Hamas terror organization. Responding to questions regarding this afternoon's rocket attacks into S'derot, Mofaz stated everything possible is being done to protect residents of southern areas and bring a halt to the attacks. 22:04 Feb-19-03, 17 Adar 5763 PA Calling For UN Intervention Regarding Incursion Into Gaza(IsraelNN.com) PA officials are turning to the United Nations to condemn Israel's military incursion into...

IDF won’t buy IMI Tavor rifle for lack of budget Israel Military Industries: Statements that the Tavor is the best rifle in the world cannot be deposited at the bank. Dror Marom 4 Feb 03 16:39 The IDF is not equipping its combat units with Israel Military Industries’ (IMI) Tavor assault rifle at this time. The reason is a shortage in the defense establishment’s shekel budget. The shortage puts in doubt the IDF’s plan to equip its combat troops with the assault rifle developed by IMI’s small arms division. Only a few rifles have been purchased to date for use...

Feb. 3, 2003 IDF to promote Ilan Ramon to Brigadier-General By THE JERUSALEM POST INTERNET STAFFThe IDF reports that it is looking into the possibility of conferring on Ramon the rank of Brigadier – General. Minister of Defense, Shaul Mofaz, raised the possibility Monday with Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant-General Moshe Ayalon. Top placed sources in the IDF have confirmed that the army's manpower division has already started checking into the possibility. Ramon has not yet been termed a 'fallen soldier' by the IDF, since the army is still waiting for a positive identification of the bodies from NASA. Ramon...

Friday, January 31, 2003 Shvat 28, 5763 Israel Time: 21:05 (GMT+2) PM rebuffs rumors he will offer defense portfolio to Labor By Aluf Benn and Yossi Verter, Haaretz Correspondents, Haaretz Service and AgenciesPrime Minister Ariel Sharon said Friday afternoon that rumors he was going to offer Labor the defense portfolio as part of a deal to lure them into the coalition were false. According to Sharon, the issue is not open for discussion, since current defense minister Shaul Mofaz will continue at his post in the 16th Knesset. "Mofaz is a great defense minister... and will continue to be defense...