News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) The police plan to move its Judea and Samaria headquarters into the E-1 area connecting Ma'aleh Adumim with Jerusalem by the end of December, according to Public Security Minister Avi Dichter (Kadima). The move will take place despite objections by the American government.

--A Gush Katif spokesman has sharply criticized the IDF for promoting Major General Dan Harel, who was in charge of the Southern Command during the expulsion two years ago. Harel was named to replace Major General Moshe Kaplinsky as Deputy IDF Chief of Staff.

--IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi sent a letter to President Shimon Peres urging him to withhold clemency for terrorists from Gaza, calling the move “unethical and immoral” while IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit is still being held captive in Gaza by Hamas terrorists. Eighty-seven terrorists and prisoners were released despite the general's objections.

Two Years Ago at IsraelNationalNews.com

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz stated “This is the most difficult period of my life,” referring to the war in Lebanon and subsequent events. The IDF commander stated that the military’s performance during the war was mediocre, promising a full investigation. He added that if he is found to have been deficient in his performance, he will step down from his command post.