In what is perceived as a surprise move by many, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi has dismissed tank corps Battalion Commander Lt.-Colonel Yair Baranes.

Baranes, who was commander of the 9th Armor Corps Regiment, was removed from his post for his inappropriate response to the Nachal Oz fuel depot attack [reported HERE on YWN] which claimed the lives of two Israeli civilians.

Accepting the recommendations of IDF Southern District Commander Major-General Yoav Galant, Ashkenazi, who is working with diligence to rehabilitate the IDF following the Second Lebanon War, decided to dismiss the commander.

According to the investigation, despite being 150-200 meters from the terrorists, Baranes did not advance or engage them, but decided to wait for backup forces, a move deemed unacceptable for a senior combat commander. Brigadier-General Moshe Tamir, Gaza Division Commander viewed the actions of Baranes as totally unacceptable.

Shortly following the attack, Baranes announced he accepts responsibility for the chain of events and resigned from his post, but a number of days after changed his mind. Nevertheless, Tamir, Galant and Ashkenazi are all in agreement, compelling Baranes to step down and now, he must evaluate his future in the military.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)