National Union slams Gantz for Eisner removal

Right-wing MKs call IDF chief's decision to remove officer who struck activist with M16 a "surrender to the Left."

By LAHAV HARKOV
IDF Chief of General Staff Benny Gantz 390 (R) (photo credit: Ronen Zvulun / Reuters)
IDF Chief of General Staff Benny Gantz 390 (R)
(photo credit: Ronen Zvulun / Reuters)
MKs had mixed reactions to Lt.-Col. Shalom Eisner’s removal from his post as deputy commander of the Jordan Valley Brigade on Wednesday, with some applauding IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz’s decision, while National Union MKs slammed it.
Eisner was removed from service after Gantz reviewed the findings of an investigation into an incident when he slammed his service rifle into a pro-Palestinian activist’s face.
“Gantz did the right thing in firing Eisner,” Labor leader Shelly Yacimovich said. “His violence is outrageous and shows a total loss of control.”
According to Yacimovich, Eisner’s actions send a bad message to IDF soldiers, while his removal shows that his behavior is anomalous and unusual, and goes against the IDF’s values of morality and self-control.
MK Nachman Shai (Kadima), a former IDF spokesman, also lauded Gantz’s decision, and criticized those accusing it of being politically motivated.
“The IDF must behave decisively and without compromise to stop any deviation, such as this event,” he added.
MK Arye Eldad (National Union) said that firing Eisner was a “total surrender to the Left, which created the provocation [leading Eisner to strike the activist] and is now reaping its fruits.”
According to MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union), Gantz is teaching IDF officers to turn the other cheek and “learn from Defense Minister Ehud Barak who ran from every front in order to reach his next promotion.”
Ben-Ari said the people of Israel should embrace all officers like Eisner.
MK Uri Ariel (National Union) said that he is glad Eisner wasn’t completely removed from the IDF, only command positions for the next two years, after which Ariel is sure Eisner will be a commander and serve the State of Israel faithfully.