Interim head of National Security Council steps down

Netanyahu praises Yaakov Nagel for his role in securing the most recent defense package with the US; has yet to name a replacement

By Jacob Magid

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26 March 2017, 3:47 pm

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Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

Yaakov Nagel will step down as interim head of the Israel National Security Council, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a cabinet meeting on Sunday.

Nagel took over on an interim basis following the failed appointment of Avriel Bar-Yosef, who withdrew his candidacy following conflict-of-interest allegations. Bar-Yosef was supposed to have replaced Yossi Cohen when the latter was named Mossad chief in January 2016.

In August, Netanyahu offered to name Nagel as permanent NSC chief, but he declined, citing personal reasons. No replacement has been named.

The NSC came under fire in last month’s publishing of the State Comptroller report on the 2014 Gaza War. Yosef Shapira found that the body failed to carry out one of its central duties: to provide the cabinet with a variety of opinions, and potential courses of action, beyond what is offered by the military and security services.

Acting National Security Adviser Yaakov Nagel (L), Mossad Director Yossi Cohen (C) and former Mossad director Tamir Pardo (L) attend a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on January 10, 2016 (Alex Kolomoisky/Pool) — Acting National Security Adviser Yaakov Nagel (L), Mossad Director Yossi Cohen (C) and former Mossad director Tamir Pardo (R) attend a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on January 10, 2016. (Alex Kolomoisky/Pool)

The prime minister frequently sets the agenda for meetings of the security cabinet — his inner circle of senior ministers — which take place on an ad hoc basis. However, the NSC is also entitled to raise issues at the meetings, something it failed to do with regard to the tunnels, according to the report. Yossi Cohen was in charge of the body at the time.

At the cabinet meeting Sunday, Netanyahu praised Nagel’s contributions to Israel’s security during his tenure with the NSC, particularly his role in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Israel and the US last year. The $38-billion defense package signed during ex-president Barack Obama’s last year in office was the largest-ever aid agreement between the US and any single country.

“I would like to commend your sincere concern for the state’s security and the great help you have given me. I thank you and wish you success on your path.”