According to a Yediot Achronot report, a “senior official” in the Prime Minister’s Office launched a scathing attack against IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gabi Ashkenazi, accusing him of acting like the leader of the IDF Soldiers’ Parents’ Association, and not like the commander of the Israeli military. Ashkenazi during recent weeks and months has come out publically in favor of a prisoner swap, emphasizing the need to bring Gilad Shalit back home alive and well.

Coming to his defense were Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, expressing appreciation for his efforts on behalf of Shalit, and calling him an esteemed commander.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)