An influential group of former generals has already called for his head, regardless of the findings of the army commissions of inquiry, which are due next month.

It would be a humiliating end to a distinguished military career for Halutz, who won fame as a brilliant fighter pilot in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

“If Halutz feels the investigations blame him, he will salute, bless the families of the dead and injured soldiers and submit his resignation,” said Ran Pecker, who was once Halutz’s commander.

“Halutz is a man of honour,” said another fighter pilot. “If the findings even vaguely point at him, he’ll go.”

The line-up of retired generals calling for him to step down reflects the frustration of former commanders at the poor performance of the once legendary Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). As one commentator put it: “In 34 days of fighting the Israeli forces couldn’t smash a few thousand Hezbollah fighters, when in past wars we smashed the combined Arab armies in a few days.”

“Halutz failed and should go,” said Avigdor Ben-Gal, a much decorated retired general. “This should be the first and last time an air force man is appointed to lead the armed forces,” he added.

Several army inquiry teams appointed by Halutz are examining the performance of the IDF. One, which investigated the capture of two Israeli soldiers on July 12 — the event that triggered the war — has produced its report.

As a result, the commander of the 91st division, who was in charge of the patrol, submitted his resignation. General Udi Adam, the commander of the northern region, also resigned. The navy’s commander, whose state-of-the-art warship, the Hanit, was hit and almost sunk by a Hezbollah missile, is expected to follow suit.

Halutz’s fate rests in the hands of General Dan Shomron, who led the rescue of the Israeli hostages in Entebbe 30 years ago. He is heading an inquiry into the performance of the army headquarters and the chief of staff. Many believe his report will signal Halutz’s exit.

With intelligence reports predicting that Israel faces another war with Hezbollah by next summer, the armed forces have launched a programme to correct their failings. Many Israeli officers regard this year’s battles as a “dress rehearsal for the real thing” — a war against the combined might of Hezbollah and Syria, and possibly Iran.

A big effort is already under way to improve training in the battle brigades. “We can’t afford to send our paratroops to chase Palestinian kids in the West Bank,” said the source. “They should train day and night for a real battle.”

The commando brigades and special forces are being reorganised under a single command. Another lesson is the need for better tank protection. Hezbollah hit about 30 Merkava tanks, which are among the best in the world. Tactics have been changed and they will be equipped in future with a sophisticated radar shield to protect them.

The Israelis will also provide better equipment and training for their reserves. Bright young Israelis are increasingly reluctant to commit themselves to a long career in the military.

Halutz is in a race to restore the IDF to its former superb condition while at the same time fighting to salvage his own reputation. “The battle conducted by my ‘colleagues’ who speak my own language is worse than the battle against the enemy,” he said.

“Everyone has his breaking point. I’m not there yet.”

• A ceasefire is due to come into force in Gaza this morning after Palestinian militants pledged last night to halt rocket attacks and Israel responded by suspending military operations.

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