Former IDF spokesman slams rumored death of chief of staff
Brig. Gen. (res.) Avi Benayahu decries rumors claiming Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot was killed in a fatal helicopter crash on Monday night at the Rimon Airbase, calls for arrest of those who disseminated the 'malicious' rumor.
"Those who spread the malicious rumor that the chief of staff was killed in a helicopter crash and the IDF spokesman tried to hide it are scoundrels and scum who are using technology for malicious purposes," said Benayahu in an interview with Ynet.
When asked whether those who spread the rumor did so out of malevolent intentions, Benayahu responded, "These people are using new technology to spread rumors and take revenge against the chief of staff. During Operation Protective Edge, we saw things like this come from the ultra-Orthodox sector. This is a criminal act."
When pressed on who specifically he believed was responsible, Benayahu did not give specifics, but indicated, "I suspect it really is some 16 or 17-year-old. I really hope it isn't people who want to take revenge on the Chief of Staff for whatever reason. What I do know is that every effort has to be made to catch whoever is responsible."
Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman echoed Benayahu's sentiments, condemning the rumors, calling them "dangerous" and "malicious." Lieberman also indicated that legal measures would be pursued against those responsible.
