Book 4, Chapters 11-12 Summary

Summoned to Tel Aviv headquarters, Ari marvels at the crisp professionalism that now marks the army. Avidan has retired but remains "commander emeritus," consulting on policy. He tells Ari morosely that Jerusalem/Latrun remains a problem, and in Galilee, Kawukji must be eliminated. Avidan is annoyed that Ari has not yet wiped out Abu Yesha as ordered. Avidan insists that those people have chosen to collaborate with Kawukji and are too weak to rebel. This is the pattern in all Arab villages, despite Israeli pleadings and threats, and Jerusalem is being starved. Israel can only kill or be killed. Avidan offers Ari the choice of transferring to another command, but Ari vows to do his duty. Avidan tells Ari that he is promoted to colonel and is sorry about Abu Yesha. With his aides promoted to major, Ari maps...