Shin Bet chief says farewell

Avi Dichter attends his last Knesset Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee session before ending term; says his biggest failure was inability to prevent former Tourism Minister Rehavam Zeevi's murder
By Ilan Marciano

JERUSALEM - Shin Bet Chief Avi Dichter, who is slated to complete his term soon, said his farewells to members of the Knesset Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee after five years on the job.

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The General Security Service head impressed committee members by opening his concluding remarks with what he said was his most glaring failure - the inability to prevent the murder of former Tourism Minister Rehavam Zeevi by Palestinian terrorists.

On another front, Ditcher said that although the Shin Bet drew much praise over its successful anti-terror efforts, the IDF also deserves a share of the glory.

Dichter also spoke about the West Bank security fence and noted the barrier has been enjoying growing support.

Dichter draws praise

"Had the fence been built at the beginning of the intifadah, many terror attacks would have been prevented," he said.

Following the session, Likud Knesset Member Uzi Landau lauded Dichter, but criticized the failure to extend his term.

"The Shin Bet chief is courageous, and paid a price for it, because those who dare express a different professional opinion than the prime minister pay the price," he said.

Yachad Knesset Member Ran Cohen, meanwhile, praised Dichter for heading the General Security Service during a difficult period, with the agency engaging in a determined and sophisticated battle against Palestinian terrorists.