Former Shas party leader Eli Yishai, who was a member of the Security Cabinet in 2007, speaks about events following the revelation of details surrounding Israel’s attack against the Syrian nuclear facility.

“I left the meeting and headed directly to Rav Ovadia to consult with him. He understood and gave his bracha for the mission and the soldiers involved”, stated Yishai.

He explains that on that dramatic day, and after many discussions by the forum of seven (political-security cabinet), regarding the attack on the reactor and its destruction, the cabinet convened to approve the operation. Yishai said that he told Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and then Defense Minister Ehud Barak that if he wants his consent, he must go to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and ask for a bracha.

“In the course of the cabinet discussion, I went to Maran’s house and asked everyone to leave and to leave us alone, without any cameras and recording equipment. I explained to him what this was about and the importance of the action and its possible ramifications. In the clarity of his mind, Maran immediately understood the necessity of the matter and gave his bracha for the security forces which he loved, that they should go and return safely from the mission” Yishai wrote on his twitter account.

He then left Maran and returned to the cabinet and according to the report, Olmert and Barak asked him what Rav Ovadia said. “I updated them that Maran gave his approved in favor as well as his bracha. Despite the tensions between Olmert and Defense Minister Barak, there was an overwhelming vote for it among cabinet members. Yishai said on Minister Avi Dichter opposed the mission.” At the end, the green light was given as details released now show.

Yishai adds, “Today we see just how important Maran’s bracha was, as well as his warm tefilos for the success of the operation.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)