Gantz's year
Amid the hooplah surrounding Iran, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz wrapped up a full year in his post. It was a serious, challenging year, as befits the situation in the region. But it was also a calm year, as befits his personality. There are some who believe it was too calm. His supporters point to a record that includes initiatives both within the General Staff and in the field, some of which cannot be discussed since they took place behind enemy lines. His opponents, meanwhile, point to the lethargic state of the armys combat units.
Without truly being tested, it is difficult to decide one way or the other. To Gantzs credit, it should be said that he has come in and turned the armys operational plans upside down. This is a byproduct of his understanding that in the absence of domestic and international legitimacy, Israel will have to wage a violent, lightning-quick war. He should, however, also assume some of the blame for an anemic General Staff (with the exception of a few pockets of excellence), one that he appointed and that will lead the country in war should the need arise.
One can draw up a long list of pluses and minuses, but for the time being it can be definitively said that the good outweighs the bad as far as Gantz is concerned. This is not simply due to the stability and quiet that has resulted from his promotion. After the chaotic and turbulent relationship between Defense Minister Ehud Barak and former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi and the stench of the Harpaz affair, Gantz has revealed himself to be a man of action, period. He is fair, matter-of-fact, all business. All of these traits are infectious, and those around him are taking note. This is a welcome breath of fresh air in an organization that is tasked with protecting Israels security.
Gantz says he is currently preoccupied with three main challenges: the Iranian nuclear issue, the essence and character of the IDF and its place in society, and the armys budgetary difficulties. After this week, Gantz left the impression that the third matter is the one with which he is currently preoccupied.
The IDF chief is certain we have fallen victim to a destructive, dangerous school of thought, the results of which will be laid bare in the next war. He and his aides have spoken harshly and bluntly regarding the Treasury. These are words that communicate real distress. Nonetheless, it would be preferable if they had not been said at all. The IDF is perceived as a spoiled army, one prone to whining and making threats while being deaf to the rules of the democratic game. Gantz represents the exact opposite of these accusations.
His main challenge is still before him. While he needs to work to preserve the cease-fire in Gaza; to prevent a further deterioration in ties with Egypt; to deter Hezbollah; and to do everything to prevent tensions from getting out of hand on the Syrian border, Gantz must also devote a large chunk of his time to Iran. He is not just the one responsible for building or applying force, he is also the one who will be asked to recommend whether to attack, or not.
The events of this week certainly prompted Gantz to wonder whether we have succeeded in sizing up the Iranians. They got him wondering whether we stand to be taken by surprise when Iran does something far more critical than trying to assassinate a diplomat in the Far East.
It is reasonable to assume that Gantz is also scrambling for a clear-cut answer. Still, he prefers to stay on the sidelines and not take unnecessary risks. At the moment of truth, if he is called upon to do so, he will remove the dagger from his sheath and sink it in with all his might. From his standpoint, the name of the game is responsibility. So far, he has exhibited accountability. A new challenge is due to arise in 2012 the challenge of victory.
טעינו? נתקן! אם מצאתם טעות בכתבה, נשמח שתשתפו אותנו