Last update - 00:00 03/10/2007
PM denies tension with IDF chief over release of Gaza prisoners
By Barak Ravid, Amos Harel and Anshel Pfeffer
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office denied rumors of tension Tuesday between Olmert and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi over a letter Ashkenazi had sent to Defense Minister Ehud Barak protesting Israel's release of prisoners to Gaza.
The media had earlier quoted anonymous Olmert associates as criticizing the letter, in which Ashkenazi said it was immoral to release Gazans held by Israel while soldier Gilad Shalit remained a Hamas captive in Gaza.
"We still do not know who these associates are, and this is not our position," Olmert's bureau said.
Israel released 29 Palestinian prisoners to Gaza Tuesday, after releasing 57 prisoners to the West Bank on Monday, as a gesture to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas for Ramadan. The Gaza release took place a day late because President Shimon Peres delayed signing the pardons.
A senior official in Olmert's bureau blamed "politically interested" parties for the rumors, saying the relationship between the prime minister and the chief of staff was "one of complete confidence."
Olmert's bureau added that Ashkenazi had a right to send the letter, but that "the defense minister supported the release of the prisoners from beginning to end."
Barak also backed Ashkenazi Tuesday, and the Defense Ministry said the minister viewed the letter as a legitimate move on Ashkenazi's part.
In explaining the one-day delay, Peres said Tuesday: "I had to check everything from a legal and practical standpoint, and it took longer than I thought." He would not say whether Ashkenazi's letter influenced him, but insisted there was no pressure on him.
Related articles
Barak backs IDF Chief's right to query release of jailed Gazans
Israel to resume release of Fatah prisoners after delay