Farewell to the generals
http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=6861883
Apr 27th 2006 | TEL AVIV
From The Economist print edition
What change will be brought about by civilians running Israel?
ONE of the most remarkable things about the new Israeli government that
is expected to be sworn in next week is the absence of military men in
its front row. For years, the country has been ruled by veterans of its
military complex. Now, after the close election a month ago, it is to
be led by a team of civilians, whose view of the world has been shaped
elsewhere than in barracks or on battlefields.
This week, Ehud Olmert, who became prime minister and leader of Kadima
when Ariel Sharon, the party's founder, sank into a coma last January,
cut a deal with Amir Peretz, head of the Labour Party. Given the
narrowness of Kadima's election victory, Mr Olmert had no choice but to
split the booty with Labour. In the new regime, Mr Peretz, a former
trade-union boss, will be defence minister, replacing Mr Sharon's
appointee, Shaul Mofaz, an ex-military chief of staff.
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