Ehud Barak
Photo: Ze'ev Trachtman
Benjamin Netanyahu
Photo: Amit Magal
Barak briefs Netanyahu on security situation
Defense minister meets with opposition leader in his Tel Aviv office; aides say meeting did not deal with political issues
Defense Minister Ehud Barak
met Thursday morning with Opposition Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu
(Likud)
at his Tel Aviv office. Sources at the two officials' offices said Barak briefed Netanyahu on security issues.
Despite the official statement, it was believed that the two would also discuss political issues. The meeting was also attended by the defense minister military secretary, Brigadier-General Eitan Dangot, head of the Defense Ministry's Security-Diplomatic Bureau Amos Gilad, and Barak's chief of staff, Mike Herzog.
Sources at the defense minister's office said that the two would not converse in person, although this may take place at the end of the security briefing for several minutes.
"The two connect on security issues and often discuss these issues," said a source close to Barak.
Earlier this week, the defense minister referred to the efforts to release kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.
"We are facing the next target – returning IDF fighter Gilad Shalit, alive and well. It won't be easy, but I and the IDF feel morally committed to take any possible and worthy measure in order to bring Gilad back home in one piece," said Barak.
