BRKG: Embarrasing confrontation breaks out between Former Mossad Chief, Israeli minister and Ex-PM Olmert at New York conference over IRAN ATTACK

Former Mossad chief, Israeli minister trade accusations at New York conference

Meir Dagan defends statements made by former Shin Bet security service chief, criticizing Netanyahu and Barak over Iran; Minister Gilad Erdan says Dagan sabotaging international efforts to halt Iran's nuclear program; Ex-PM Olmert joins in defense of Dagan, Diskin.

An embarrassing confrontation broke out on Sunday during a panel discussion at a New York conference, when former Mossad chief Meir Dagan accused Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan of lying, while Erdan replied that Dagan is sabotaging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to put a halt to Iran's nuclear aspirations.

At the conference, sponsored by the Jerusalem Post in New York, the two also exchanged harsh words after Dagan warned Erdan over the so-called "Dagan law," forbidding former security officials to issue open statements until a certain cooling period wears off.

The exchange erupted after Dagan was asked about statements made by former head of the Shin Bet security service Yuval Diskin. Diskin criticized Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Friday over their bellicose stance on Iran, as well as what he called the premier's unwillingness to advance peace talks with the Palestinian Authority.

Dagan said that Diskin was his friend, and added that he "spoke his own truth." "Diskin is a very serious man, a very talented man, he has a lot of experience in countering terrorism," he said, adding that he "talked about a matter that is close to his heart." Dagan also dismissed criticism of Diskin for not voicing his opinion to Netanyahu and Barak earlier. According to Dagan, Diskin had done so "in close quarters and on many occasions."

Erdan replied that "if Diskin thinks things are so dangerous, he should not have stayed in his post for five years and agree to a sixth year. He should have resigned." Dagan intervened at this point and countered that "I may be impolite, but I prefer the truth be told."
Erdan then said he would prefer if "Mossad chiefs do not sabotage Netanyahu's efforts to garner the world's support against Iran. He also referred to Diskin's description of Barak and Netanyahu's "messianic tendencies," and asked, "Is this how a serious man, as you describe him, speaks?"

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, also present at the conference, came out in defense of Dagan and Diskin, saying that they have "contributed much more to the safety of Israel than those who are criticizing them."

[link to www.haaretz.com]

Israel is breaking apart over Iran strike decision as you could watch folks...