By Rabbi Dow Marmur
JERUSALEM — My dictionary defines “gallant” inter alia as dashing, stately, majestic, noble, courageous, chivalrous etc. Before the investigation by Israel’s State Comptroller of the alleged lying in connection with the acquisition of some of the grounds of the palatial home – by now the most photographed private residence in Israel – he built in Moshav Amikam, all this could have been said about General Yoav Galant.
However, with his appointment as the next IDF Chief of Staff different adjectives have been used to describe him. There’re now speculations that he won’t get the job after all, even though he himself is said to have stated that he has no plans to withdraw (yet?).
The matter is of concern beyond the usual gossip for at least two reasons: (1) the volatile situation in the region and (2) the questionable judgment – once again – of Defense Minister Ehud Barak who’s criticized for the underhand way in which he recently departed from the Labour Party that he had been elected to lead.
(1) The wave of unrest unleashed by events in Lebanon, Tunisia and elsewhere has now also reached Egypt. It’s difficult to see how President Mubarak can retain his grip on the country, let alone crown his son as his successor. Though peace with Israel is in the interest of Egypt and therefore may not be jeopardized by a different government there, Israel needs to be alert to the new situation not only politically but also militarily. A vacuum in Israel’s high command doesn’t bode well.
Why a vacuum? After all, Israel currently has a very competent Chief of Staff in Gabi Ashkenazi who could stay on after mid-February when he’s due to be replaced. He could even have his duties extended by another year, as has happened in the past, until a suitable replacement has been found and, this time, properly vetted ahead of the announcement. We’re told that there’re several good candidates.
(2) That brings us to the other concern: the judgment of Ehud Barak. He may have been Israel’s most decorated soldier, a good Chief of Staff in his time, even a competent Minister of Defense, but he has proven to be a bad politician. For reasons that aren’t clear, he doesn’t seem to like Ashkenazi and is said to want him out as soon as possible. His personal animus seems to be in the way of acting in the best interest of the country – another sign of an incompetent politician.
Though the IDF is a strong organization that doesn’t only depend on the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense, it’s obvious that the absence of the one and the bad judgment of the other are bound to do harm to Israel’s capability to deal with all its existing defense problems, plus the new ones now emerging.
It’s not clear if the Galant affair is the result of the absence of due diligence prior to his appointment or just callousness on the part of the military brass. In any case, many in Israel would like to see some resolute and swift action to resolve the impasse. That may still happen next week when the Attorney General gives his legal opinion. If the allegations prove to be true, Galant may end up in jail, for his transgressions are said to be severe. The Government will then have to act swiftly to control the damage.
There may be those who see this as yet another example of corruption and incompetence in Israel. I choose to see it as evidence that the rule of law is alive and well here. That’s why he who wants to subvert it won’t get away with it, whatever his rank.
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Rabbi marmur is spiritual leader emeritus at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto. He now divides his year between Canada and Israel