Barak: 'Galant Document' is a 'warning sign'

Defense minister expresses concern that generals "have an illegitimate influence" on government decisions.

By LAHAV HARKOV
barak ashkenazi 311 (photo credit: IDF Spokesperson)
barak ashkenazi 311
(photo credit: IDF Spokesperson)
Defense Minister Ehud Barak expressed his concern over the "Galant Document" incident at a meeting of the IDF General Staff Forum on Thursday.
"I commend the police for its quick investigation and conclusions. However, I am concerned about the attempt by officers to stop and postpone the process of appointing the next chief of general staff, and have an illegitimate influence on the outcome," Barak said, at the gathering in honor of the Jewish New Year.
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"The attempt almost succeeded. This was a move that fascinated the whole state for a few weeks, and damaged the public's faith in the IDF," the defense minister added.
"The events were not simple, and leave a lot of question marks, even after the police finished its investigation," Barak said. "It is a warning sign for whoever wishes to live in a democratic country, where the military subordinate to the government."
Barak appointed Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak Brick to recommend to the ministry of defense how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Barak added that Basic Law: The Army is the shortest law passed by the Knesset. "It says the IDF will defend the State of Israel, that the chief of staff is the highest rank in the army, and that the IDF is subject to the government's authority. I plan to decisively and firmly stand for these simple things, which are the basis of democracy."