Defense minister hails reconciliation after IDF, Shin Bet tiff

Ya'alon stresses cooperation between bodies is vital for Israel's national security.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Moshe Yaalon (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Moshe Yaalon
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon on Saturday commented on the reconciliation meeting between the heads of the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), following months of feuding that recently culminated in a public argument.
Ya'alon stated that ongoing inter-organizational cooperation is vital for Israel's national security.  
He said the dispute between the organizations is bad for Israel, and praised the reconciliation.
The argument between the two bodies revolved around the Shin Bet's claim that it had provided an early warning of Hamas's intention to carry out a major terror attack that could lead to war, and the denial by the IDF of the existence of any intelligence alert prior to the 50-day conflict that erupted with Hamas this past summer.
"I meet the officers and soldiers of Military Intelligence and the people of the Shin Bet often - they are the best we have," Ya'alon said.
"They work day and night to bring military and political leaders the best intelligence, while investing thought, creativity and imagination in a complex, challenging, and fast changing reality," the defense minister said.
"If this is harmed - we will all be harmed. What happened this past week must not repeat itself. The right place to smooth over differences on such critical and covert issues for Israel is in the closed room," he added.
On Friday, Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen visited the home of IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz and worked out the disagreements between them, according to a joint statement issued by the military and domestic intelligence agency.
"During the conversation maneuvers were agreed upon to strengthen cooperation between the organizations on behalf of the security of the state of Israel," the statement said.