Brik Committee set to probe Galant affair

Committee of inquiry headed by IDF Ombudsman Brig.-Gen. Yitzhak Brik unlikely to question witnesses; will base findings on existing case martial

Hanan Greenberg|Published: 09.04.10 , 21:52

The Brik Committee, headed by IDF Ombudsman Brig.-Gen. Yitzhak Brik, will begin its investigation of the Galant Affair Sunday, as soon as it receives it official letter of appointment, but some in the defense establishment already criticize the fact that the man heading the probe is close to Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

Barak decided to name a committee of inquiry to the case, which has left the military's top echelon rattled, "In order to make sure such incidents do no reoccur."

The police investigation into the case has already uncovered a connection between Colonel Erez Weiner, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi's assistant and Lt.-Col. Boaz Harpaz, the prime suspect in the case.

The Brik Committee is unlikely to call witnesses or question anyone in particular, but rather base its findings on the materials gathered in the investigation thus far, and submit its recommendations to Barak.

Barak, who attended a General Staff meeting on Thursday, surprised the officers by announcing the committee's inception, and although it is seemingly welcomed, tensions in the General Staff are still running high.

Still, sources in the defense establishment told Ynet Saturday that the situation could not have been left unattended, and that Barak has a moral obligation to investigate the ethical aspects of the case.

The sources hinted that had the military "handled the case appropriately" the committee may not have been needed, but since this was not the case, it is important to get to investigate further and ensure that such events do not happen again.