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Israel

Israeli army gripped by 'dirty tricks' scandal

Israeli police are investigating after a plan to undermine IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi.

August 12, 2010 10:27
Ashkenazi

ByAnshel Pfeffer, Anshel Pfeffer

1 min read

Israeli police are investigating after a plan to undermine IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi, and ensure OC Southern Command Major General Yoav Galant replaced him, was unveiled on Channel Two news on Friday night.

The "Galant Document" caused a public uproar and deep embarrassment in the IDF's upper echelons. Lt-Gen Ashkenazi ends his term in February 2011 and the question of his successor has been the subject of intense speculation and rivalry.

Five generals are currently vying for the job, with Maj-Gen Galant seen as the favourite candidate of Defence Minister Ehud Barak.

The document detailed the media and lobbying strategy by which Maj-Gen Galant would be built up as the responsible and experienced candidate while Lt-Gen Ashkenazi, who opposes his appointment and blocked his promotion to deputy chief of staff, is portrayed as vain and fractious. The logo of Arad Communications, widely seen as Israel's most influential PR company, appeared on the document. Senior partner Eyal Arad has hotly denied the document came from his office and lodged a forgery complaint with police. Maj-Gen Galant also denied any knowledge of the document.