Sources expressed concern about such behavior should Hagel be nominated for the defense post.

FORBES: Why Won't Obama Chuck Hagel?

Analyst Gerald Steinberg says this crisis may bring down the current defense minister, Amir Peretz, a rising star in the Labor Party who was given the defense post despite a lack of experience.

NPR: Israelis Rethink Strategy After Hezbollah Stalemate

With Democrats and some newspaper editorials calling for his resignation -- and some Republicans privately questioning whether he can continue in the top defense post -- Rumsfeld admitted he could have done better.

CNN: Rumsfeld tells Congress of his 'failure'