Gilad apologizes to PM, reinstated as special envoy

Amos Gilad, the head of the Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau, met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Wednesday and submitted a letter of apology. Gilad was consequently reinstated to his post as special emissary to Egypt for truce negotiations.

In his letter Gilad wrote, "I wish to convey my apology for statements I made against the prime minister and the Israeli government. The things that were said are unjustified, were said inadvertently and it would be best had they not been said at all."

In response to the apology, Olmert wrote to Gilad: "Following our meeting, during which you expressed your apology to me for the unjustified things you have inadvertently said against me and the Israeli government, and in light of my appreciation of you and your longtime dedicated service to the State of Israel and its security, I intend to see to it that this affair is concluded immediately."

In light of the reconciliation Gilad is expected to retake his post as the government's envoy to Cairo. He was dismissed from his position several days ago after he harshly criticized Olmert over his handling of talks on Gilad Shalit's release.

Efforts to reconcile between the two have been undertaken in recent days by various political sources, and have eventually led to the meeting between Gilad and the prime minister.