You have to know when to hold them, and know when to fold them!

There is a bit of a controversy brewing in Israel with the news that the chief of the nation's Army unloaded his stock portfolio, just before he sent his army into war in Lebanon.

Shortly after Army chief Dan Halutz cashed in his stocks the Israeli stock market began a two day tumble that didn't stop until 8.3 per cent of the index value was depreciated.

He points out that he actually lost money, 5,400 dollars in all with his stock transactions, but it's been generally ignored by his critics. Halutz says that he didn't think that the country would be at war when sold his shares, but not many seem to find much believability in that explanation.

More are concerned that at a time of hostilities, their Army's leader seemed more concerned about his personal financial situation than of the plans for a war. Reports have made the rounds that the Israeli Army had not been prepared properly for what was to come and in some instances didn't even have the proper equipment to head into battle.

Many are calling for the Government to replace their Army's head man, suggesting that he may not have his mind fully on the job at hand.