IDF Back to Basics after Halutz's High-Tech Program

(IsraelNN.com) IDF soldiers are being trained for traditional battles after years of neglect, United Press International (UPI) reported. Former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz, who took office two years ago, said at the time he would revolutionize the army with high-tech defense measures that would reduce the need for the traditional foot soldiers.

However, the success of Hizbullah terrorists against the army in the Second Lebanon War has convinced IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi to emphasize basic training instead of planning only for an advanced missile war.

Yossi Peled, a retired former Northern Commander, said that the results of the war last year have convinced Syria it can successfully fight Israel. "Even if they are wrong, ...their attitude means we may be on the way to another war,” he warned.