Will the new GOC Northern Command, Major General Gadi Eisenkot, be able to quickly correct the flaws that emerged during the Lebanon war? This is a key question for both the Israel Defense Forces and national security. The flaws that emerged are many: they begin with serious problems in logistics and tactical intelligence and continue with the poor handling of the civilian population and the communities located within the territory of Northern Command.

In order to succeed in this enormous task, he will have no choice but to implement changes in the upper command ranks. In order to assist Eisenkot, it is important to carry out a thorough evaluation, with the help of the General Staff, on the effectiveness of the divisional commanders. Eisenkot´s appointment is a good one and is very likely to prove successful.

One disadvantage, that has not evaded the defense minister and the chief of staff, is that Eisenkot will be busy in the coming months with preparing his testimony for the Winograd Committee, investigating the Lebanon war. His testimony will be one of the more important, and certainly one of the more interesting ones. The Operations Branch was responsible for planning the operations of IDF forces during the war, on land, air and sea, as well as special operations.

Eisenkot proved very successful in his previous roles, prior to joining the General Staff. He served as division commander in the Central Command, and also as military secretary for prime ministers Ehud Barak and Ariel Sharon. Originally, the plans were for him to take over as GOC Central Command.

Gadi Eisenkot is one of the more intelligent generals in the IDF, a straight shooter, who is willing to admit mistakes and failures, including those of the recent war. He is professional and studious. He has managed to gather around him a new and professional team.

This is important because Israel is faced by Hezbollah and the Syrian army in the north, and they are both supported by Iran. Lebanon is a swamp, with a weak government, and factions whose loyalties are not reliable. The GOC Northern Command will also have to be a diplomat in his relations with the United Nations force in southern Lebanon. (© Copyright 2006 Haaretz. 09/28/06)