Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has requested that ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) Director Yuval Diskin remain at the helm of the agency for an additional year. Diskin’s 5-year term expires in May 2010, but the law permits the cabinet to grant a one-year extension. The cabinet on Sunday, during its weekly meeting, is expected to approve the prime minister’s request.

The prime minister explains that complex situation today will benefit from the stability resulting from Diskin continuing. This comes after an extension was approved for Mossad Director Meir Dagan, and Chief of Military Intelligence Major-General Amos Yadlin, who agreed to a fourth year, bringing him into 2010. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gabi Ashkenazi’s term will expire in February 2011.

Officials feel the stability surrounding the top three, Dagan, Diskin and Ashkenazi is an important element due to the numerous existential threats facing Israel today.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)