Former Israel Army chief of staff Shaul Mofaz unexpectedly took an early discharge from the army Sunday. Mofaz decided to waive his right to a pre-discharge vacation. He requested and obtained his release from the army 32 days after completing his service as chief of staff, Haaretz reported.
Israeli security and political officials believe that Mofaz's early discharge was motivated by his plan to enter the political arena as soon as possible. Israeli politicians have agreed that Mofaz sought an early discharge so he could vie for a place in Likud's list for the next Knesset elections.
Israeli law stipulates that a senior army officer who wishes to go into politics must wait six months after his discharge. For Mofaz, this six-month cooling-off period started Sunday, when he ended his regular service and became a reservist.
Three weeks ago, Israel’s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon proposed to Mofaz that he join Likud. The two had lunch at the prime minister's Jerusalem residence; Sharon's son Omri, along with his bureau chief Dov Weisglass, were also present at this meeting.
Likud ministers said last night that Sharon would appoint Mofaz defense minister, should Labor quit the unity government. However, such an appointment could not be made until Mofaz's cooling-off period ends, in mid-February.
As the chief of staff, Mofaz has recommended to the Israeli government to expel PA leader, Yasser Arafat and take harsher measures against the Palestinian uprising. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
