Amidst the plans for a possible pullout from Gaza, the commander of the Gaza Formation, Brig.-Gen. Shmuel Zakkai has announced his resignation. He cited "personal reasons," but some of these apparently include the lack of a good working relationship with the IDF Southern Region Commander. In addition, Zakkai was deeply offended that he had been suspected of leaking information to the press regarding the IDF's recent offensive in northern Gaza.
It is not yet clear whether the Chief of Staff and the Southern Region Commander will accept Zakkai's resignation, and some military analysts say that Zakkai is likely to withdraw his decision. So far, however, the resignation - the first of its kind in the army in many years - is making great waves. MK Ehud Yatom (Likud) said today that the resignation of such a high-ranking officer at such a time is an "earthquake."
It is not yet clear whether the Chief of Staff and the Southern Region Commander will accept Zakkai's resignation, and some military analysts say that Zakkai is likely to withdraw his decision. So far, however, the resignation - the first of its kind in the army in many years - is making great waves. MK Ehud Yatom (Likud) said today that the resignation of such a high-ranking officer at such a time is an "earthquake."