Former IDF chief: Israel's situation is worse today than it was during Yom Kippur War

APRIL 26, 2023 04:02

Updated: APRIL 26, 2023 08:46

FORMER IDF chief of staff Dan Halutz addresses a rally outside the Knesset against the proposed judicial overhaul, last month. He describes the protests as a ‘war of liberation for the State of Israel.’ (photo credit: YOEL YAARI) — FORMER IDF chief of staff Dan Halutz addresses a rally outside the Knesset against the proposed judicial overhaul, last month. He describes the protests as a ‘war of liberation for the State of Israel.’

(photo credit: YOEL YAARI)

Former IDF chief of staff Dan Halutz: Politicians 'spat in the faces' of bereaved families on Remembrance Day

Former IDF chief of staff and Air Force commander Dan Halutz spoke on Tuesday on Anat Davidov and Gideon Okko's 103FM radio program and discussed his feelings about Remembrance Day, as well as those he's lost during his long military service.

"I don't need this day to remember," Halutz, said at the beginning of his remarks. "My first and painful memory is that I lost my squadron commander during the War of Attrition. We went to attack Egyptian missile submarines, the late Shmuel Hetz was our leader, he was hit by a missile and was killed."

Remembering Yom Kippur War

Halutz spoke about the day the Yom Kippur War began: "I was a young reserve pilot. I am called to the squadron by courier since I didn't have a phone at home and the rest is history.

"I returned home with a lot of doubts and pain, and with dead soldiers, or prisoners of war from my squadron. In the midst of war, there is no time to mourn. Today, I feel that it is harder than in the Yom Kippur War - they are rising up against us from within."

Bereaved families, high school students, and military officers attend the central Remembrance Day ceremony remembering the fallen IDF soldiers, overlooking ancient Gamla and the sea of Galilee, Golan Heights on April 25, 2023. (credit: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)

Later, Halutz addressed the storm over the arrival of coalition members at the military cemeteries at Remembrance Day ceremonies, saying: "I don't think [National Security Minister Itamar] Ben-Gvir deserves to be a minister.

Halutz explained that "sending politicians who have never worn a uniform, who have not done their military or security service," is akin to spitting in the face of bereaved families.