Defense Minister Ehud Barak commentedfor the first time on State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss' report of extravagant expenses duringa Defense Ministry trip to the last Paris Air Exposition.
"This was a failure on our part. I take full responsibility for everything that happens in the defense establishment, as well as for this failure."
His ministry, he said, "Has drawn the necessary conclusions from this case and steps have been taken to avoid a reoccurrence. I'll make sure of that. We will get to the bottom of the problem, fix it and move on."
Barak also commented on the Knesset's State Control Committee's decision to ask Lindenstrauss' to look into hispast business dealings, saying he welcomed any examination deemed necessary.
The defense minister spoke while observing part of the Juniper Cobra drill –a joint Israeli-US military exercise meant to simulate some of the threats Israel may come under as well as test various defense systems.