Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak has recently made harsh comments against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his administration. Barak maintains that Netanyahu has destroyed the security of the State of Israel.

Those comments were met with responses from the Prime Minister’s Office and others.

In comments to chareidi correspondents on Tuesday, 19 Menachem Av, PM Netanyahu stated knows one knows what Barak is taking about.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu added that Barak of all people should not criticize the government, labeling him the “worst Prime Minister in Israel’s history”.

Former MK & Mossad Intelligence Agency Director Danny Yatom spoke with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), addressing media reports that Barak plans a political comeback. He also expressed his surprise and disappointment at PM Netanyahu labeling Barak “the worst Prime Minister ever”, adding it is not the way a serving PM should address another.

Yatom explained “I am not Barak’s spokesman but his friend but I personally heard Barak announce at a recent assembly that he is not interested in a comeback and I hope he changes his mind”, adding he is shocked to hear a sitting Prime Minister refer to a colleague in such a derogatory fashion “and I am not certain such a tone suggests he is cool and calm”.

Yatom added he is pain and upset over the comments made by PM Netanyahu, stating his used ‘cheap Hebrew and lowered himself to a place a Prime Minister must avoid.

Galei Tzahal:

I understand the chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee Avi Dichter wishes to invite to address the committee but Barak declines.

Yatom:

I can tell you it was Barak who pulled Israel out of Lebanon after 21 years in that country. He was an IDF Chief of Staff and was able to get passed the apocalyptic predictions from the intelligence community and got Israel out of Lebanon.

Galei Tzahal:

So why then is he unwilling to appear before the committee?

Yatom:

This is not the norm but it is possible that Dichter, whom I known well, might succumb to political pressure say that after hearing Barak that his words are not suited for the committee to hear. In order to prevent this enormous political pressure on Dichter, Barak is using the political forum to get his message out.

Galei Tzahal:

Yes, but speaking publicly, none of us know what Barak is speaking about.

Yatom:

I understand and this is why he must address the Intelligence Subcommittee, and he is ready and willing to do this and this is a move I too support since the members of this committee must hear what Barak has to say.

Yatom also served as head of Prime Minister Ehud Barak’s Chief of Staff and security advisor from 1999 to 2001.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)