Sir,

My period of service in the IDF recently passed the 40-year mark. During this lengthy period of time I have had the privilege of serving this country, my homeland, in what is in my opinion the greatest of tasks ? the task of protecting the safety and security of the State of Israel.

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I have fought in the ranks of the IDF on all fronts, along with fellow soldiers. I have carried out every mission I was called on to perform with a sense of duty. I have always acted with deliberation according to the values of morality, loyalty, integrity, honesty and comradeship.

During my long service I have had the privilege to command outstanding people and have watched the IDF progress and evolve due to those people, thus allowing the IDF to reach achievements and capabilities which place it as one of the top armies in the world.

For me the word "responsibility" bears great meaning: it is everything, from A to Z. My sense of responsibility has led me to remain in my position up until now, and it has led me to hand you this letter today.

On June 1, 2005, the day in which the Government of Israel, then headed by Mr. Ariel Sharon, bestowed me with its trust and gave me the position of Chief of Staff, I took upon myself a great responsibility.

The essence of this responsibility was realized during and after the conflict in Lebanon in the summer of 2006. When the echoes of combat had died down, I decided to exhaust this responsibility to the fullest, according to the traditions and values from my home and my military service. Thus, I ordered an internal investigation of a scale unprecedented in the history of the IDF: a profound, thorough and detailed investigation that examined all aspects of the fighting, including my own performance.

Today, following the completion of the investigations and the formation of the 2007 work plan, which will implement the lessons learned, I proudly feel that I have reached the goals I set for myself at the end of the conflict in Lebanon and have lived up to my responsibility. At the end of these thorough processes, I am certain that the IDF will be prepared for the challenges ahead.

The investigation made us aware of that which needs to be fixed and of those aspects which should be preserved and improved. One of the main things the investigation taught us was that the military establishment is profoundly affected by long term processes. At times the effect is unnoticed and we are unaware of its full consequences. These processes affect the Israeli society in general and the capabilities of the military in particular.

Unfortunately, the Israeli state is destined to continue to fight for its existence. Our ability to ensure our victory in this continuous battle depends on our strength. This strength, at its root, is built on values, quality education, a strong economy and above all a strong IDF.

The strength of the IDF is based first and foremost on the quality of its soldiers, and secondly - on the resources allocated to it in order to fulfill its tasks. We must remember that the achievements of the IDF in the conflict in Lebanon, as well as in other fronts, were accomplished by a large group of combat soldiers and commanders both in mandatory and in reserve service, who are ready and willing to serve at all times. The strength of the IDF comes from the support of the public. Unfortunately, this support has been worn down over the past few years.

I believe, Mr. Prime Minister, that we must do all in our power in order to maintain the honor and the heritage of the IDF, and leave it out of political struggles.

People will naturally be unwilling to serve in a body which is unappreciated and undefended by those behind it. We must ensure that we do not reach a state in which people of quality will hesitate to tie their fates and futures to the IDF. In this case, a good education and a strong economy will be of no use to us, and we will face the danger of a more tangible threat to the State of Israel.

The IDF is an army of high moral values. Its history is decorated with pages of heroism stained with the blood of many good men and women of this country who fell protecting it. Their memory will forever be with me.

I hope that we manage to swiftly return the abducted, captured and missing soldiers to the country for which they fought. I will always cherish in my heart my meetings with the bereaved families, which continue to support and encourage the IDF and its commanders even in these difficult and complicated times.

I am grateful to the Ministers of Defense under which I served and thank my comrades in the IDF General Staff, who have been true partners both in planning and in implementation. I would especially like to thank the commanders and soldiers of the IDF, both in mandatory and reserve service, and the employees of the IDF, for doing their part for the general effort and for bearing the daily burdens.

I wish to thank you sir for your support and backing and wish you luck in dealing with the complex challenges which face the country and yourself as its Prime Minister.

In order to guide and lead we must live up to our responsibilities, so after completing my current task, I hereby announce to you my intention of resigning from my position as Chief of Staff effective immediately.

I salute the IDF and its soldiers.

Always at your service,

Sincerely,
Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz
Chief of Staff

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