A-G clears ex-IDF chief Ashkenazi in Harpaz scandal

Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein has decided to close a criminal investigation into former IDF chief Gabi Ashkenazi over the so-called Harpaz affair, a convoluted episode of high-level infighting that embroiled several members of military brass.

The move runs against a 2014 police recommendation which determined that there was enough evidence to charge Ashkenazi with breach of trust and delivering classified information to journalists.

In January 2013, Israel’s comptroller issued a scathing report stemming from a state investigation into Ashkenazi’s combative relationship with former defense minister Ehud Barak. The crux of the dispute revolved around a mid-2010 attempt to influence the appointment of Ashkenazi’s successor, and involved a fake plant of a document meant to torpedo the nomination of Brig. Gen. Yoav Galant for the position.

The decision will likely clear the way for Ashkenazi to enter politics and make a long-rumored run for the Knesset.