AL QUDS, Feb 16: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stunned the army top brass on Wednesday after effectively dismissing a chief of staff for the first time in the country's history , prompting questions about the seriousness of his intention to leave the Gaza Strip.

The decision was announced late on Tuesday by Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz. It would effectively see General Moshe Yaalon being forced to stand down at the end of his term in five months' time, after the government decided not to extend his mandate as is customary, military sources said on Wednesday.

Although the move was taken by Mofaz, it is widely understood the decision has Sharon's full backing. The news provoked astonishment and anger in both the political and the military establishments, particularly as it will see Yaalon leaving his post just days before the start of Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Centre-left Labour MP Danny Yatom said the decision to replace the chief of staff right before the disengagement was "irresponsible and inexplicable" especially as it comes as the head of the Shin Beth domestic intelligence agency, Avi Dichter, is standing down.

Commentators across the board warned that the dismissal could have far-reaching consequences for the Gaza pullout, which will see Israel evacuating all troops and settlers from the territory by the end of this year. Labour MP Efraim Sneh told the radio that losing Yaalon just days before evacuating Gaza would "endanger the prospects of the plan's success." -AFP