Who is Itzhak Talman from By the Rivers of Babylon and what is their importance?

Talman is a Brigadier General and the Air Force Chief of Operations. A man with a highly nervous and emotional nature, Talman acts the part of a calm, upper class officer. During the committee meeting before the take-off of the El Al Concordes, Talman states that Laskov is the best they have, and he will take responsibility for the two aircraft with no hestitation.