Defense Minister Amir Peretz expressed regret Wednesday at the decision by IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz to resign, warning Israel's enemies not to misinterpret the move. Speaking at the graduation ceremony for naval commanders in Haifa, Peretz said Halutz's decision was "premature. I am sorry he won't be with us to complete the task" of restoring the army after the failures of the summer's war in Lebanon. Peretz, who is also under fire because of the inconclusive outcome of the war, had a message for Israel's enemies. "Do not misinterpret the army chief's decision to resign as a sign of weakness," he said.