Shalit's friends: This is no time for ego

Kidnapped soldier's friends irate about PM Olmert's decision to bar Amos Gilad from negotiations meant to secure Shalit's release. An Israeli soldier is rotting away in captivity and they're busy with politics, they say

Ahiya Raved
Published: 02.23.09, 15:05 / Israel News

Kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit's friends admonished Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's decision to suspend Amos Gilad as the emissary charged with heading the negotiations with Cairo in the case.

"It is very disconcerting to see that while an Israeli soldier is rotting away in captivity, all the leaders care about is their egos," said one of the captive soldier's friends. "If they put half the efforts they invest in politics to pushing for Gilad's release, he would have been home a long time ago."

Consequences

Defense officials say Olmert harming Israel / Roni Sofer

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

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Major General (Res.) Gilad, who heads of the Defense Ministry's Security-Diplomatic Bureau, was suspended of his emissary duties on Sunday night, following a media spar with Olmert.

Gilad censured the prime minister for demanding that Shalit's release be a prerequisite to any future ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, further claiming that Olmert remained uninvolved in the case until very recently and that his statements hindered both Israel's relations with Egypt and the chances of a prisoner exchange deal materializing.

Though called on to apologize, Gilad has refused to do so. The Prime Minister's Office has subsequently filed a complaint against him with the Civil Service Commission and he has been barred from meetings discussing the Egyptian-brokered armistice with Hamas, thwarting arms smuggling into the Gaza Strip and the talks meant to secure Shalit's safe return.

"Though Amos Gilad is not directly responsible for heading the negotiations, suspending him from being the liaison with Egypt and from dealing with other matters involving Hamas, the likes of the lull, can only cause damage," said Guy Elyasaf, a spokesman for the group campaigning for Gilad Shalit's release.

Olmert's decision to relieve Gilad of his duties sparked criticism in the defense establishment as well, as security officials accused the prime minister of harming Israel's interest.

"Gilad still heads the defense establishment's security relations with other countries, including Egypt," said a security source. "It is the prime minister's prerogative not to use Amos Gilad's experience and expertise, but the injured party here is the State of Israel."

A Prime Minister's Office statement released Monday said that "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."

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