Straight Shooter: Eastwood Goes Romney

Sir, - With America facing a most crucial presidential election in November, the two major candidates are naturally seeking the backing of important personalities and groups. Both the Democrats and the Republicans are vying for the support of people who command a lot of respect and influence.

Since the results of this election will have important ramifications for Israel, there are several well-known figures who have announced their support for one or the other of the candidates. Since Israel is very much in need of the bipartisan support of the United States, I for one have serious doubts about the political wisdom or (lack of) for a member of the government or of the Knesset to voice partisan support for either candidate.

However, our Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak has unequivocally endorsed the candidacy of Pres. Obama and this has strongly resonated throughout the political debate. The pro-Romney forces though have now managed to win over a most formidable supporter of the Romney candidacy with the announcement of Clint Eastwood's backing of the Republican candidate. Everyone of course recognizes Clint as a straight shooter who always fights on the side of the good and just even when appearing as "Dirty Harry". Does Obama still have a chance?

ZEV CHAMUDOT
Petach Tikva

[Image credit: Miguel Chajtur]

J.Post February 16: Ehud Barak vs. Israel

Sir, - Friday's Jerusalem Post informed us that 'in a boost to the Palestinian protest movement against the West Bank security barrier, the IDF began laying the groundwork to reroute 1,700 meters of the of the security fence in Bil'in' ("IDF moving 1,700 meters of the security fence in Bil'in," February 12). This was the result of five years of weekly demonstrations by villagers joined by foreign and native leftist groups against a security barrier that was erected to stop suicide bombings that have killed more than 1,000 Israelis in the last decade. The protests themselves often ended in violence and injuries to border guards and soldiers.

We cannot help comparing the above with the vociferous threat issued by Ehud Barak to 'use all the might of the combined armed forces of Israel' against those who attempted to protest the overly harsh applications of the 'building freeze' in Judea and Samaria.

It is both painful and disheartening to note that the minister of defense finds it difficult to identify the country's real enemies.

ZEV CHAMUDOT

Petah Tikva

[Image credit: Jacob Rask]

J.Post December 24: Disciplining the IDF

Sir, - While I feel unfit to join in the criticism of Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi's handling of the Schalit affair ('Arad apologizes to Ashkenazi for slight,' December 23), I nevertheless feel that it is important to raise some issues of negligence in our army, which is the responsibility of both Ashkenazi and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

We have been informed recently of several instances of sloppiness in the vetting of army personnel who proved unworthy of their place in the chief of General Staff's office, based on reasons of security or immoral behavior. Much more immediate, however, was the utterly tragic death of an 18-year-old soldier who was killed by a bullet shot through a wall during a training exercise in a building that the army had deemed fit.

Needless to say, it is of vital importance to put the entire house in order.

ZEV CHAMUDOT

Petah Tikva

J.Post April 1: Israeli Goodwill Gestures to the PA -- The Real Folly

Sir, - In 'The folly at Givat Ze'ev' (March 26) Amnon Rubinstein used his keen intelligence and legal knowledge to question the wisdom of expanding Jewish construction at this site, because doing so would antagonize our most important allies.

However, we have learned that our most vital ally, the US, is pressuring Israel to allow 700 PA security personnel to be deployed in Jenin; and for Israel to transfer sophisticated night vision goggles to the PA, in addition to allowing their receipt of 25 armored personnel carriers from Russia ('Israel mulls PA deployment of soldiers in Hebron, Tulkarm,' March 31).

Defense Minister Barak has openly acknowledged that Israeli lives and property might be endangered.

The unfortunate but factual history of several similar past gestures by Israel to the same PA is of such materiel being used in the maiming and killing of Israelis. These unrequited gestures are therefore completely unacceptable; and if Israel makes them it will be acting not merely in folly, but with criminal irresponsibility.

ZEV CHAMUDOT

Petah Tikva

[Image credit: Wikimedia user Ori~]