w w w . h a a r e t z . c o m Last update - 02:13 21/08/2006 'A radical and fundamental change is needed'

Open letter from soldiers and commanders of Brigade 551 of Division 98 to the defense minister and chief of staff:

We, the soldiers and commanders of the Hod Hehanit Brigade, were called up by emergency order on July 30, 2006. All companies reported in full.

When we signed for our equipment we knew we were signing for much more. We left wives and children, friends and family. We put aside our work and our livelihoods, ready to carry out our missions even under difficult conditions of heat, thirst and hunger. Deep down each of us knew that we were jeopardizing our lives for the just cause of Israel's citizenry.

But there was one thing for which we were not and will never be ready: indecisiveness. A war whose goal was never clearly defined and which changed during the fighting. An indecision reflected in inaction, in not carrying out operational plans and canceling missions in mid-battle. This led to prolonged stays in hostile territory with no operational goals and for unprofessional reasons, with no attempts at engagement. All around were signs of "cold feet" on the decision-making level.

Indecision reflected a deep disrespect for our willingness to fight and made us feel as if someone was spitting in our face, in contrast to the principles and values to which we were trained in the IDF. The sense that the echelons above us were unprepared, not serious, lacking momentum and incapable of making intelligent decision leads us to ask whether we were called up in vain.

In order to be prepared for the next war, which appears to be imminent, a radical and fundamental change is needed. The crisis of confidence between us as fighters and the senior leadership will not be solved without a thorough, proper state investigation that leads to conclusions on the strategic, national-security and personal levels.

We paid a dear price to fight and to win, and we feel we were prevented from doing so. We will all report for duty the next time we are called, but we want to know that the objectives are clear, aimed at engagement and winnable.

As soldiers and citizens we expect a prompt response.

Signed,

Soldiers and officers of the Hod Hehanit Brigade.