Senior Mossad sources were extremely angry that he remained in his position despite the Ciechanover Report.
The head of the Mossad, Reserve General Danny Yatom, today advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his resignation. Netanyahu expressed his sadness, but accepted the resignation.
Yatom’s resignation comes ten days after the presentation of the Ciechanover Report on the Meshal failed assassination affair. The committee severely criticized Yatom’s role in handling the affair, as well as his credibility during questioning.
After the report was published it was believed Yatom would be forced to resign in the summer, after completing two years of his period in office. However, during the last few days internal criticism within the Mossad reached a peak because Yatom had not personally made the appropriate response. It was even reported this morning that, because of this, several senior members of the organization were likely to resign.
The actual date his resignation will take effect, and who will replace him, has not been announced. The name of Defence Ministry director-general Reserve General Ilan Biran was mentioned last week as a possible candidate for the post of head of the Mossad.
Published by Israel's Business Arena February 24, 1998