Gilad. Still talking to Egypt?
Photo: AP
Olmert. Supension
Photo: AP
Defense officials say Olmert harming Israel
Conflict between prime minister, head of Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau Amos Gilad turns into rift between Olmert, Defense Minister Barak. Security officials say despite reports that Gilad has been suspended as special emissary to Cairo, he is still holding talks with Egypt
Defense officials said Monday morning that Major General (Res.) Amos Gilad, head of Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau, was still holding talks with Egypt
despite Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's
heated conflict with him and the decision to suspend him as the government's special emissary to Cairo.
The officials went on to harshly slam Olmert. "The head of Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau continues to be involved in the talks with international elements, including Egypt, on behalf of the Defense Ministry. It's the prime minister's right not to use Amos Gilad's abilities and experience, but it's the State of Israel that is harmed."
Olmert's Version
Following clash with Prime Minister Olmert, head of Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau removed from his position as government's special delegate to Cairo. Gilad refuses to apologize, prompting Prime Minister's Office to files complaint against him with Civil Service Commission
The Prime Minister's Office said in an official statement, "Following Mr. Gilad's public and inappropriate criticism, he can no longer serve as the prime minister's emissary in matters concerning diplomatic negotiations.
"As previously said, a complaint has also been filed with the Civil Service Commission and disciplinary action will be explored accordingly."
Credibility crisis
A sources in Olmert's office told Ynet that Gilad was told the affair could be put to rest if he offered his apologies."However, he chose not to do so. Under these circumstances, it is clear that Major General (Res.) Gilad can no longer serve as the prime minister's emissary. A state official cannot publicly censure those he is representing. This was a case of unfounded, unwarranted and public criticism which has resulted in a credibility crisis which cannot be mended at once."
All matters pertaining to the relations with Egypt will now be handled by the Prime Minister's Office.
"Thirty years of peace with Egypt are not based on the relations of one person only," the source said. "The Egyptians will continue to liaise with whomever the prime minister names," "The fact that Gilad is no longer the liaison in the negotiations to secure (kidnapped soldier Gilad) Shalit's release, will have no bearing on the talks, as Ofer Dekel (Olmert's representative in charge of securing Shalit's release) will continue to oversee the matter."
The clash between Olmert and Gilad erupted five days ago, when Gilad was quoted as harshly slamming the prime minister, after Olmert demanded that Shalit be released before Israel signs a truce agreement. Gilad claimed that Olmert had not engaged in the issue until that point and had suddenly changed his mind.
Gilad refused to apologize to Olmert over remarks he made to the media about the prime minister. As a result, the Prime Minister's Office filed a complaint against Gilad with the Civil Service Commission.
Gilad is no longer invited to discussions on the talks with Egypt on a truce arrangement with Hamas, ways to halt the arms smuggling on the border and securing Shalit's release.
Beyond the high tensions between Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, which were expressed in harsh remarks made by both sides, the heated clash, in essence, closed the channel managed by Gilad as the narrow forum's special delegate.
The talks with Egypt are now being held by the prime minister's men – diplomatic advisor Shalom Turgeman and Olmert's special delegate in charge of the talks for Gilad Shalit's release, Ofer Dekel.
