Indeed, the inexperience of the prime minister and the defense minister are unprecedented in Israel’s history. Olmert, who stepped into Ariel Sharon’s shoes as leader of the new Kadima Party, was considered a competent but lackluster parliamentarian – and later mayor of Jerusalem – who was known more for his polemical style than for his political stature or gravitas.
确实，总理和国防部长经验不足在以色列历史上是前所未有的。奥尔默特顶替沙龙成为新组建的前进党领导人，他被认为是一个称职而又没有魅力的议会议员。他后还作过耶路撒冷市长，其好辩的风格为人所知，要超过其政治地位或实力。