14 aug 2013
Harpaz affair mud slinging continues, after Barak files deposition claiming Ashkenazi, fellow officers acted illegally. Former IDF chief of staff slams Barak's conduct, claims he hurt army during affair, is now recycling claims already disproven
Former IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi adamantly rejected Wednesday claims made by former Defense Minister Ehud Barak in a deposition he gave to the Tel Aviv District Court in regards to the Harpaz affair. According to the former IDF chief, all the claims made by Barak have already been examined and rejected in the past. At the beginning of August, Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein decided to expand the military investigation into the Harpaz affair and ordered a criminal police investigation against those involved – namely Ashkenazi and his aide Erez Weiner – who are both suspected of breach of trust.
Through his lawyers Sharon Kleiman and Michael Naor, Ashkenazi published a statement: "Yesterday (Tuesday), Barak filed a deposition, in which he repeated the same claims already raised and rejected by two state comptrollers in hopes that yet another examination by yet another official will yield a different result. Which we believe will not happen."
According to his lawyers, then-State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss "explicitly decided that there was no coup by former IDF chief of staff and that Ashkenazi was not involved in torpedoing Yoav Galant's appointment to the position of IDF chief of staff nor in the creation, forging or leaking of the (Harpaz) document, a decision he made after reviewing hundreds of hours of recordings from Ashkenazi's bureau. Barak's obsessive repeating of claims against Ashkenazi, which were examined and rejected, are representative of his conduct as defense minister in his relations with the chief of staff." In his response, Ashkenazi tried to return the spotlight to Barak's conduct against him, as was described in the comptroller's report. "The state comptroller found serious problems with the defense minister's conduct in regards to his ties with the IDF chief of staff, including a string of unfit actions which harmed the army, such as postponing a number of officer appointments for more then a year. It is only fitting that the (former) defense minister offer some sort of explanation for his inappropriate actions in his deposition instead of recycling claims. We expect that during the investigation, the actions of the defense minister which effective damaged the army be examined as well." In his deposition, Barak commented on the comptroller report, but, needless to say,he reached different conclusions from those reached by Ashkenazi. "The comptroller report clearly showed that at the heart of this story stands a group of senior officers, a number of citizens and reserve officers, headed by then-IDF Chief of Staff Ashkenazi, who acted in an unfitting manner to prevent the lawful appointment of an IDF chief of staff as well as working against the political echelon, all the while embracing allegedly criminal behavior, like forging a document, collecting disparaging information about the political echelon and senior IDF officers and obstructing justice – all in complete contradiction to the law, the army's rules and the ethics and norms of the IDF's spirit," Barak's deposition read.
The former defense minister also claimed in his deposition that the timing of the document's leakage to the press was no coincidence. "The interested parties, headed by the IDF Chief of Staff Ashkenazi held on to their document for months and made sure to pass it onto the media only a few days after the defense minister began holding interviews with potential candidates for the chief of staff position," he wrote.
Former IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi adamantly rejected Wednesday claims made by former Defense Minister Ehud Barak in a deposition he gave to the Tel Aviv District Court in regards to the Harpaz affair. According to the former IDF chief, all the claims made by Barak have already been examined and rejected in the past. At the beginning of August, Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein decided to expand the military investigation into the Harpaz affair and ordered a criminal police investigation against those involved – namely Ashkenazi and his aide Erez Weiner – who are both suspected of breach of trust.
Through his lawyers Sharon Kleiman and Michael Naor, Ashkenazi published a statement: "Yesterday (Tuesday), Barak filed a deposition, in which he repeated the same claims already raised and rejected by two state comptrollers in hopes that yet another examination by yet another official will yield a different result. Which we believe will not happen."
According to his lawyers, then-State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss "explicitly decided that there was no coup by former IDF chief of staff and that Ashkenazi was not involved in torpedoing Yoav Galant's appointment to the position of IDF chief of staff nor in the creation, forging or leaking of the (Harpaz) document, a decision he made after reviewing hundreds of hours of recordings from Ashkenazi's bureau. Barak's obsessive repeating of claims against Ashkenazi, which were examined and rejected, are representative of his conduct as defense minister in his relations with the chief of staff." In his response, Ashkenazi tried to return the spotlight to Barak's conduct against him, as was described in the comptroller's report. "The state comptroller found serious problems with the defense minister's conduct in regards to his ties with the IDF chief of staff, including a string of unfit actions which harmed the army, such as postponing a number of officer appointments for more then a year. It is only fitting that the (former) defense minister offer some sort of explanation for his inappropriate actions in his deposition instead of recycling claims. We expect that during the investigation, the actions of the defense minister which effective damaged the army be examined as well." In his deposition, Barak commented on the comptroller report, but, needless to say,he reached different conclusions from those reached by Ashkenazi. "The comptroller report clearly showed that at the heart of this story stands a group of senior officers, a number of citizens and reserve officers, headed by then-IDF Chief of Staff Ashkenazi, who acted in an unfitting manner to prevent the lawful appointment of an IDF chief of staff as well as working against the political echelon, all the while embracing allegedly criminal behavior, like forging a document, collecting disparaging information about the political echelon and senior IDF officers and obstructing justice – all in complete contradiction to the law, the army's rules and the ethics and norms of the IDF's spirit," Barak's deposition read.
The former defense minister also claimed in his deposition that the timing of the document's leakage to the press was no coincidence. "The interested parties, headed by the IDF Chief of Staff Ashkenazi held on to their document for months and made sure to pass it onto the media only a few days after the defense minister began holding interviews with potential candidates for the chief of staff position," he wrote.
2 aug 2013
Gabi Ashkenazi
Weinstein orders criminal investigation led by Israel police into suspicions of breach of trusts by former IDF chief Ashkenazi, his aide Erez Weiner
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein has decided to expand the military investigation in the Harpaz affair and has ordered a criminal police investigation against those involved.
The main suspects are former IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi and his aide Erez Weiner. They are suspected of breach of trust.
Weinstein orders criminal investigation led by Israel police into suspicions of breach of trusts by former IDF chief Ashkenazi, his aide Erez Weiner
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein has decided to expand the military investigation in the Harpaz affair and has ordered a criminal police investigation against those involved.
The main suspects are former IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi and his aide Erez Weiner. They are suspected of breach of trust.
Yehuda Weinstein
A statement issued by the AG's office said the decision was made following new findings from the Military Police investigation. He added there was reasonable ground for an investigation.
It was further stated that Israel Police will now take the reins in the inquiry and will be assisted by the military police. Ashkenazi issued a statement saying that "as always" he will fully cooperate with the investigation. "I hope the truth will finally come out."
Last January, Weinstein ordered a limited criminal investigation confined to the IDF into the Harpaz affair.
The investigation was set to examine misconduct Ashkenazi and Weiner.
A statement issued by the AG's office said the decision was made following new findings from the Military Police investigation. He added there was reasonable ground for an investigation.
It was further stated that Israel Police will now take the reins in the inquiry and will be assisted by the military police. Ashkenazi issued a statement saying that "as always" he will fully cooperate with the investigation. "I hope the truth will finally come out."
Last January, Weinstein ordered a limited criminal investigation confined to the IDF into the Harpaz affair.
The investigation was set to examine misconduct Ashkenazi and Weiner.
25 june 2013
In latest development in Harpaz affair, former IDF chief accepts partial responsibility for rift with Defense Ministry, yet alleges Ehud Barak's camp should own up to lion's share
The Knesset Plenum on Tuesday held a discussion devoted to the Harpaz affair. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi was in attendance to answer questions regarding the scandal involving forgery of documents and abuse of power among top IDF ranks.
The "Harpaz document" was a forged paper prepared by Lt. Col. Boaz Harpaz in an attempt to thwart the candidacy of Major-General Yoav Galant as the next IDF chief of staff and was first exposed in August 2010. It contained guidelines to building up an ostensibly positive image for Galant and discrediting Ashkenazi and Benny Gantz, while the true aim of the document was to thwart the candidacy of Galant as the next IDF chief of staff.
Ashkenazi, then IDF chief, believed then Defense Minister Ehud Barak had devised a plan to undermine his authority and shorten his term. The defense minister, on his part, was under the impression that Ashkenazi had thought up a plan to secure himself a fifth year in office and prevent the appointment of Galant as his successor. The headline-grabbing affair was the subject of a State Comptroller report, which concluded that while there was no attempted coup of top army leadership there was evidence of official misconduct.
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein ordered a limited criminal investigation into Ashkenazi and his assistant Colonel Erez Weiner. The investigation is ongoing. Speaking before the Knesset Plenum Tuesday, Ashkenazi conceded that the report "answered some of the questions we were all concerned by," adding that "behind the main arguments there was a lack of understanding.
It is important for everyone to remember that the comptroller stated that there were no attempts at a putsch by the military against the political leadership.” Emphasizing that he and those around him were completely cleared of suspicions in document forging, Ashkenazi alleged that the clique of his political rival, Ehud Barak, cannot boast the same. He further criticized Barak for his involvement in appointments within the IDF, saying the governing authorities should not interfere with military procedures.
Ashkenazi accepted his share of the blame in the rift between the Defense Ministry and the IDF in recent years, saying that in his attempts to bridge the gaps he went as far as contacting the prime minister, as is reflected in the report, but "was not offered solutions. Here too, the comptroller placed the responsibility with the political rank." Galant was eventually disqualified as a candidate for IDF chief due to unrelated allegations that he had improperly used public lands near his home in Moshav Amikam.
The Knesset Plenum on Tuesday held a discussion devoted to the Harpaz affair. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi was in attendance to answer questions regarding the scandal involving forgery of documents and abuse of power among top IDF ranks.
The "Harpaz document" was a forged paper prepared by Lt. Col. Boaz Harpaz in an attempt to thwart the candidacy of Major-General Yoav Galant as the next IDF chief of staff and was first exposed in August 2010. It contained guidelines to building up an ostensibly positive image for Galant and discrediting Ashkenazi and Benny Gantz, while the true aim of the document was to thwart the candidacy of Galant as the next IDF chief of staff.
Ashkenazi, then IDF chief, believed then Defense Minister Ehud Barak had devised a plan to undermine his authority and shorten his term. The defense minister, on his part, was under the impression that Ashkenazi had thought up a plan to secure himself a fifth year in office and prevent the appointment of Galant as his successor. The headline-grabbing affair was the subject of a State Comptroller report, which concluded that while there was no attempted coup of top army leadership there was evidence of official misconduct.
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein ordered a limited criminal investigation into Ashkenazi and his assistant Colonel Erez Weiner. The investigation is ongoing. Speaking before the Knesset Plenum Tuesday, Ashkenazi conceded that the report "answered some of the questions we were all concerned by," adding that "behind the main arguments there was a lack of understanding.
It is important for everyone to remember that the comptroller stated that there were no attempts at a putsch by the military against the political leadership.” Emphasizing that he and those around him were completely cleared of suspicions in document forging, Ashkenazi alleged that the clique of his political rival, Ehud Barak, cannot boast the same. He further criticized Barak for his involvement in appointments within the IDF, saying the governing authorities should not interfere with military procedures.
Ashkenazi accepted his share of the blame in the rift between the Defense Ministry and the IDF in recent years, saying that in his attempts to bridge the gaps he went as far as contacting the prime minister, as is reflected in the report, but "was not offered solutions. Here too, the comptroller placed the responsibility with the political rank." Galant was eventually disqualified as a candidate for IDF chief due to unrelated allegations that he had improperly used public lands near his home in Moshav Amikam.
30 jan 2013
Netanyahu, Barak and Ashkenazi in 2009
Probe will examine misconduct by former chief of staff Ashkenazi and his aide Weiner
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein ordered a limited criminal investigation confined to the IDF into the Harpaz affair.
The investigation will examine misconduct by former Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi and his aide Colonel Erez Weiner. It is possible other IDF officials will be implicated.
It remains unclear who will conduct the investigation and weather civilian law enforcement authorities will take part in the inquiry.
Ashkenazi expressed outrage that only papers pertaining to his bureau were investigated.
He demanded an investigation into the serious findings noted in the State Comptroller's report regarding the conduct of Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his staff, including abuse of power, harming the IDF and destruction of tapes from the defense minister's office.
A statement on behalf the former chief of staff said Ashkenazi will fully cooperate with the investigation. ”Nevertheless, it is unthinkable that there are documents, tapes and investigations on one side only," the statement read.
Military Advocate General Maj.-Gen. Danny Efroni was the main driving force behind the decision to launch a criminal investigation while the majority of officials at the State Prosecutor's Office felt there was no room for a criminal proceedings.
In February 2011 Weinstein ordered his office to examine whether there was sufficient evidence to launch a criminal investigation and established a team including Shin Bet and police representatives.
The initial check found there was no room for a criminal investigation beyond the forgery probe. However, the State has since obtained documents and testimonies which warrant further examination.
After harsh criticism was passed in the State Comptroller's report on the Harpaz Affair, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz dismissed Colonel Erez Weiner from the Israel Defense Forces, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday.
Weiner, who was former IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi's assistant, was dismissed based on severe complaints against him for "involvement in the Harpaz Affair," according to the report.
Related stories:
Probe will examine misconduct by former chief of staff Ashkenazi and his aide Weiner
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein ordered a limited criminal investigation confined to the IDF into the Harpaz affair.
The investigation will examine misconduct by former Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi and his aide Colonel Erez Weiner. It is possible other IDF officials will be implicated.
It remains unclear who will conduct the investigation and weather civilian law enforcement authorities will take part in the inquiry.
Ashkenazi expressed outrage that only papers pertaining to his bureau were investigated.
He demanded an investigation into the serious findings noted in the State Comptroller's report regarding the conduct of Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his staff, including abuse of power, harming the IDF and destruction of tapes from the defense minister's office.
A statement on behalf the former chief of staff said Ashkenazi will fully cooperate with the investigation. ”Nevertheless, it is unthinkable that there are documents, tapes and investigations on one side only," the statement read.
Military Advocate General Maj.-Gen. Danny Efroni was the main driving force behind the decision to launch a criminal investigation while the majority of officials at the State Prosecutor's Office felt there was no room for a criminal proceedings.
In February 2011 Weinstein ordered his office to examine whether there was sufficient evidence to launch a criminal investigation and established a team including Shin Bet and police representatives.
The initial check found there was no room for a criminal investigation beyond the forgery probe. However, the State has since obtained documents and testimonies which warrant further examination.
After harsh criticism was passed in the State Comptroller's report on the Harpaz Affair, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz dismissed Colonel Erez Weiner from the Israel Defense Forces, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday.
Weiner, who was former IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi's assistant, was dismissed based on severe complaints against him for "involvement in the Harpaz Affair," according to the report.
Related stories:
7 jan 2013
Gantz on Monday
Day after state comptroller release report on scandal, IDF chief levels thinly-veiled criticism at his predecessor, vows to 'dig up skeletons' to bring wrongdoing to light
A day after the state comptroller said he had identified gross misconduct in the Harpaz affair, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz leveled thinly-veiled criticism at the army leaders that preceded him. Addressing the harsh findings listed in State Comptroller Yosef Shapira's report, Gantz said that "This is a sad day for the IDF, the State of Israel, the citizens and everyone associated with the affair."
He further vowed to "dig for more skeletons" if necessary in order to bring any underlying wrongdoing to light. Shapira's report, which was mostly assembled under the previous state comptroller, delved into the affair that that saw Lt.-Col. (res.) Boaz Harpaz forging a document meant to promote Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant's appointment as IDF chief of staff. Harpaz, already a civilian at the time, managed to obtain classified information without having security clearance.
Shapira asserted in his report that then IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi "contributed to the dissemination of unfounded information and to deepening the rift with (Defense Minister Ehud) Barak."
Stopping short of mentioning Ashkenazi or anyone else by name, Gantz said Monday that "lines were crossed and measures unworthy functionally, morally and ethically were taken." "Power was abused at certain times," he added. "At times good and loyal actions were made that nevertheless crossed a line that shouldn't have been crossed. This kind of conduct is unacceptable to me." And yet, Gantz vowed not to arbitrate between the sides involved in the affair, saying he would "stick to his own turn in the IDF, which isn't at all insignificant." The IDF chief noted that the army has designated two committees to ensure that such breaches do not recur. "I intend to take care of it. Nothing will remain up in the air," Gantz stressed.
"The Israeli public demands us to set an example, and we will rise up to this challenge," he concluded. "I believe that ultimately we will know how to fulfill our duty while avoiding the abuse of power and unfounded gossip…This kind of incident cannot repeat itself under any circumstances."
Gantz had contributed his testimony to the report because he was one of the three top commanders to be exposed to the fake document before it was leaked.
Day after state comptroller release report on scandal, IDF chief levels thinly-veiled criticism at his predecessor, vows to 'dig up skeletons' to bring wrongdoing to light
A day after the state comptroller said he had identified gross misconduct in the Harpaz affair, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz leveled thinly-veiled criticism at the army leaders that preceded him. Addressing the harsh findings listed in State Comptroller Yosef Shapira's report, Gantz said that "This is a sad day for the IDF, the State of Israel, the citizens and everyone associated with the affair."
He further vowed to "dig for more skeletons" if necessary in order to bring any underlying wrongdoing to light. Shapira's report, which was mostly assembled under the previous state comptroller, delved into the affair that that saw Lt.-Col. (res.) Boaz Harpaz forging a document meant to promote Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant's appointment as IDF chief of staff. Harpaz, already a civilian at the time, managed to obtain classified information without having security clearance.
Shapira asserted in his report that then IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi "contributed to the dissemination of unfounded information and to deepening the rift with (Defense Minister Ehud) Barak."
Stopping short of mentioning Ashkenazi or anyone else by name, Gantz said Monday that "lines were crossed and measures unworthy functionally, morally and ethically were taken." "Power was abused at certain times," he added. "At times good and loyal actions were made that nevertheless crossed a line that shouldn't have been crossed. This kind of conduct is unacceptable to me." And yet, Gantz vowed not to arbitrate between the sides involved in the affair, saying he would "stick to his own turn in the IDF, which isn't at all insignificant." The IDF chief noted that the army has designated two committees to ensure that such breaches do not recur. "I intend to take care of it. Nothing will remain up in the air," Gantz stressed.
"The Israeli public demands us to set an example, and we will rise up to this challenge," he concluded. "I believe that ultimately we will know how to fulfill our duty while avoiding the abuse of power and unfounded gossip…This kind of incident cannot repeat itself under any circumstances."
Gantz had contributed his testimony to the report because he was one of the three top commanders to be exposed to the fake document before it was leaked.
6 jan 2013
Harpaz after release from custody
Report into forged document criticizes former IDF chief Ashkenazi for allowing his aide to collect information on Barak. Report also finds faults in defense minister's conduct
State Comptroller Yosef Shapira on Sunday released his report into the Harpaz affair and concluded that while there was no attempted coup of top army leadership there was evidence of official misconduct.
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein will now decide whether there is room to launch a criminal investigation.
The report, which was mostly assembled under the previous State Comptroller, Micha Lindenstrauss, is based on materials from the chief of staff's bureau which records all telephone calls. There had been no access to materials from the defense minister's bureau as some of the CDs had been deleted, though not intentionally.
The "Harpaz document" was a forged paper prepared by Lt. Col. Boaz Harpaz in an attempt to thwart the candidacy of Major-General Yoav Galant as the next IDF chief of staff and was first exposed in August 2010. It contained guidelines to building up a positive image for Galant and discrediting Ashkenazi and Benny Gantz.
Then IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi believed that Barak had devised a plan to undermine his authority and shorten his term. The defense minister, on his part, was under the impression that Ashkenazi had thought up a plan to secure himself a fifth year in office and prevent the appointment of Galant as his successor.
Both were wrong, the comptroller ruled, as there were no organized plans. Nevertheless, Shapira did find evidence for misconduct.
The comptroller's report determines that the "bad blood" between Barak and Ashkenazi bureaus cannot justify the collection of information on the defense minister with even partial knowledge by Ashkenazi.
Related Stories
Report into forged document criticizes former IDF chief Ashkenazi for allowing his aide to collect information on Barak. Report also finds faults in defense minister's conduct
State Comptroller Yosef Shapira on Sunday released his report into the Harpaz affair and concluded that while there was no attempted coup of top army leadership there was evidence of official misconduct.
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein will now decide whether there is room to launch a criminal investigation.
The report, which was mostly assembled under the previous State Comptroller, Micha Lindenstrauss, is based on materials from the chief of staff's bureau which records all telephone calls. There had been no access to materials from the defense minister's bureau as some of the CDs had been deleted, though not intentionally.
The "Harpaz document" was a forged paper prepared by Lt. Col. Boaz Harpaz in an attempt to thwart the candidacy of Major-General Yoav Galant as the next IDF chief of staff and was first exposed in August 2010. It contained guidelines to building up a positive image for Galant and discrediting Ashkenazi and Benny Gantz.
Then IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi believed that Barak had devised a plan to undermine his authority and shorten his term. The defense minister, on his part, was under the impression that Ashkenazi had thought up a plan to secure himself a fifth year in office and prevent the appointment of Galant as his successor.
Both were wrong, the comptroller ruled, as there were no organized plans. Nevertheless, Shapira did find evidence for misconduct.
The comptroller's report determines that the "bad blood" between Barak and Ashkenazi bureaus cannot justify the collection of information on the defense minister with even partial knowledge by Ashkenazi.
Related Stories
Erez Weiner
It also criticizes the conduct of the former IDF chief and his close aide, Colonel Erez Weiner, once they became aware of the Harpaz document.
The document, which police found to have been forged by Harpaz alone, presented a plan to undermine Ashkenazi and advance Galant's appointment as chief of staff. Having learned of its existence, Ashkenazi failed to turn it over to the military advocate general or the attorney general.
Shapira stated that by avoiding to explore the matter, Ashkenazi had contributed to the fact that senior officers and other officials received unfounded information. Ashkenazi had testified later that there had been an "error in judgment." The report harshly criticizes Weiner for giving out copies of the Harpaz document in direct contradiction to Ashkenazi's orders and for cooperating with Harpaz on collecting information on Barak and his bureau chief Yoni Koren. Shapira concluded that his conduct was not befitting a senior officer in the IDF. Ashkenazi was criticized for not putting a stop to the Weiner-Harpaz efforts and showing willingness to receive the information they collected on Barak.
Ashkenazi strayed from 'basic principles of hierarchy'
It also criticizes the conduct of the former IDF chief and his close aide, Colonel Erez Weiner, once they became aware of the Harpaz document.
The document, which police found to have been forged by Harpaz alone, presented a plan to undermine Ashkenazi and advance Galant's appointment as chief of staff. Having learned of its existence, Ashkenazi failed to turn it over to the military advocate general or the attorney general.
Shapira stated that by avoiding to explore the matter, Ashkenazi had contributed to the fact that senior officers and other officials received unfounded information. Ashkenazi had testified later that there had been an "error in judgment." The report harshly criticizes Weiner for giving out copies of the Harpaz document in direct contradiction to Ashkenazi's orders and for cooperating with Harpaz on collecting information on Barak and his bureau chief Yoni Koren. Shapira concluded that his conduct was not befitting a senior officer in the IDF. Ashkenazi was criticized for not putting a stop to the Weiner-Harpaz efforts and showing willingness to receive the information they collected on Barak.
Ashkenazi strayed from 'basic principles of hierarchy'
Gabi Ashkenazi
The fact that faults were also found in Barak's conduct toward Ashkenazi did not justify the "straying from basic principles of hierarchy," the report said. Shapira described Weiner's conduct as "wrong" and not in line with Israel's Military Basic Law and Ashkenazi's behavior as "unbefitting."
The report also criticized Barak and his staff and listed the various acts performed against the IDF chief's bureau. The minister had delayed 157 out of 170 senior IDF appointments for a period of eight months until the end of Ashkenazi's term.
The report also found faults in the appointment of Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Naveh noting that Barak failed to inform Ashkenazi of his choice despite the fact that the latter was responsible for all appointments of major-general positions.
The State Comptroller also criticized Barak for issuing a statement announcing that Ashkenazi's term won't be extended for a fifth year, 10 months before he completed his term "for ethical, professional and normative issues." Shapira said that there was no room for such a statement without thorough investigation.
The report also noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had been aware of the strained relations between Barak and Ashkenazi, should have intervened in the crisis "especially given the security challenges Israel faces."
The State Comptroller further noted that senior officials in Military Intelligence continued to consult with Harpaz without first examining his security clearance, even after he was discharged from the army.
The report described the manner in which sensitive intelligence material was revealed in 2000, as well as Harpaz's actions within the Defense Ministry and the IDF Chief of Staff's bureau
In response to the report, the Defense Ministry said that "The report is not the end but the beginning of a legal investigation into the matter, in order to expose the truth and mend the faults revealed. What we now need is a criminal investigation and a State investigative committee."
Ashkenazi said that he is pleased that the State Comptroller has rejected the charges leveled at him by the defense minister and his associates. He noted that he had already admitted an error in judgment by not forwarding the document to the attorney general and accepts the criticism in this context.
The fact that faults were also found in Barak's conduct toward Ashkenazi did not justify the "straying from basic principles of hierarchy," the report said. Shapira described Weiner's conduct as "wrong" and not in line with Israel's Military Basic Law and Ashkenazi's behavior as "unbefitting."
The report also criticized Barak and his staff and listed the various acts performed against the IDF chief's bureau. The minister had delayed 157 out of 170 senior IDF appointments for a period of eight months until the end of Ashkenazi's term.
The report also found faults in the appointment of Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Naveh noting that Barak failed to inform Ashkenazi of his choice despite the fact that the latter was responsible for all appointments of major-general positions.
The State Comptroller also criticized Barak for issuing a statement announcing that Ashkenazi's term won't be extended for a fifth year, 10 months before he completed his term "for ethical, professional and normative issues." Shapira said that there was no room for such a statement without thorough investigation.
The report also noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had been aware of the strained relations between Barak and Ashkenazi, should have intervened in the crisis "especially given the security challenges Israel faces."
The State Comptroller further noted that senior officials in Military Intelligence continued to consult with Harpaz without first examining his security clearance, even after he was discharged from the army.
The report described the manner in which sensitive intelligence material was revealed in 2000, as well as Harpaz's actions within the Defense Ministry and the IDF Chief of Staff's bureau
In response to the report, the Defense Ministry said that "The report is not the end but the beginning of a legal investigation into the matter, in order to expose the truth and mend the faults revealed. What we now need is a criminal investigation and a State investigative committee."
Ashkenazi said that he is pleased that the State Comptroller has rejected the charges leveled at him by the defense minister and his associates. He noted that he had already admitted an error in judgment by not forwarding the document to the attorney general and accepts the criticism in this context.
