Barak's ego is getting in the way...

The male ego is a fragile entity, which requires massaging on a regular basis. But what happens when the male ego endangers the national security and vital interests of the country. Maybe it's time to stop massaging. What am I on about, I hear you murmur?

OK, let me clarify. Observing our esteemed Defense Minister over the past year, I would venture to suggest that this man's ego is getting in the way. It is getting in the way of his role as the leader of the Labour Party and from what I see, it is now getting in the way of his role as Defense Minister.

Last week Barak announced that he will not be extending Chief of Staff, Gabi Ashkenazi's tenure for an extra year. Ashkenazi, who by all accounts has done an excellent job, and is credited with the resurgence of the IDF will step down at the beginning of 2011. Word on the street is that Barak does not like the competition, as he sees it; posed by Ashkenazi as a champion of Israeli security. Whereas, Bibi and Barak have suggested that the IDF requires change at the top to ensure its dynamic nature and competitive edge. Apparently the beneficial effects of change do not apply to the Defense ministry.

Now don't get me wrong, these matters require strong, capable and confident individuals who are able to make tough decisions when necessary, however, to my mind, they also have to able to listen to and consider other positions, even if they choose not to take them on board. This is not a matter of ego it is a matter of true confidence and leadership ability. To my mind ego more often tends to mask insecurity and low self confidence. It seems unlikely that the highly complex security issues faced by the country can be best navigated by a man more preoccupied with his own image and position (media please take note) than with the job at hand. Surely these matters require a more considered approach.

I have a great deal of respect for General Benny Ganz, the Deputy Chief of Staff and I am sure he is a worthy candidate and doing a great job. However, we must ask ourselves, do we really want such key appointments filled by "compromise candidates"? To be honest I am not qualified to say which of Generals, Gallant, Eisenkot or Ganz is the best man to fill Ashkenazi's shoes (perhaps I should say boots), or which of them should have got the deputy role, however I do know that it cannot be in the best interests of the country to settle upon a "compromise". The men (perhaps one day women as well) making theses decisions need to put their egos on hold and ensure that we get the best candidate for the job, not the one who may serve the decision makers' own interests. As far as I know The Chief of Staff's job description does not include sucking up to the Defense Minister or making him look good in the eyes of the public.

After last year's election, Barak and his ego, decided that the ideals and policies of the Labour party had to be sacrificed in order that he serve as Defense Minister in the most right wing government this country has ever seen. The country needed him! Barak's decision to join the government dismayed many labour supporters and has seen the near collapse of the party. Barak and his ego maintain that he is the only man capable of heading the security of the nation. For sure this man has an incredible record and has given his life to the defense of the country, for which he has my utmost respect and personal thanks. However just as the IDF may benefit from a change at the top, so may the Defense portfolio. I know the government could benefit from a few changes, maybe more than a few. If Barak and his ego are indeed concerned about his image and legacy, perhaps they should consider their position sooner rather than later.

It is clear to me, the Labour party would also benefit from a change at the top. The only way the Labour party can revive its fortunes and become relevant to voters is if it gets such a change. Perhaps the security of the country would be better served by having a strong and viable opposition which advocated and fought for policies which could change the misguided direction of the country for the better.

It is time for Ehud Barak to take his ego into private life where it can be best exploited. The country on the other hand, is in need of leaders who curb their egos and put their own interests second to those of the nation. Sadly, it would appear that Ehud Barak and his ego is no longer capable of such selfless action. It is time for the mantle to be passed to someone who is, presuming that is, there is someone to pass it to.