IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that "if the necessary coordinations are made, IDF soldiers will leave south Lebanon by New Year's Eve" which on the Jewish calendar is marked by Rosh Hashana, due to take place this weekend. IDF and Lebanese officers will meet today to discuss the issue.
"Hezbollah is upholding the ceasefire in the north," he told the committee, adding that the terror group's members are not carrying arms or wearing uniforms.
As to the situation in Gaza, Halutz said, "The IDF continues to operate against terror strongholds with an emphasis on the danger of weapons smuggling through tunnels. According to intelligence reports, terror elements are constantly attempting to smuggle weapons, including advanced antitank missiles."
Halutz faced criticism for the army's performance in the war against Hezbollah during the second round of talks with reserve generals held in the Defense Ministry compound in Tel Aviv on Friday. Maj.-Gen. Avigdor Ben-Gal (res.), former northern command chief, called on Halutz to resign, saying he committed numerous mistakes during 34-days of fighting. Ben-Gal went as far as suggesting that an air force officer is unfit to lead the army. Halutz was the air force chief before being promoted to the IDF's top seat.
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