Foreign Minister Director-General Rafael Barak has ordered the suspension of Deputy Chief of Mission of the Israeli Embassy in Washington Dan Arbel, who has been instructed to return home to Israel.

According to Israel Radio reports, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman ordered the suspension into an alleged information leak to the media, which Arbel reportedly admitted to, an incident that occurred prior to his assignment in Washington.

There are conflicting reports as to the ongoing ministry investigation, with some sources indicating Arbel will remain in Washington while radio reports indicated he has been instructed to return to Jerusalem.

Arbel is a veteran ministry official with 20 years of experience, and has held significant posts during his career.

Media reports in Israel based on discussions with ministry employees point to a “witch hunt”, blaming the paranoia of the ministry’s director-general for accusing anyone who speaks to a member of the press of leaking sensitive information.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)