ISRAEL’S DEFENSE MINISTRY CLOSES ITS "IRANIAN DEPARTMENT"
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
25.06.2009 15:00 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Israel’s Defense Ministry has decided to close
its subdivision for Iranian affairs. The decision was made within
the frames of budgetary curtailment program. The department’s annual
budget comprised USD 1 million.
An "old-generation agency" headed by Uri Loubran and a confirmed
opponent of military operations against Iran, the "Iranian" department
maintained ties with Iranian diaspora representatives and mass media,
and was in charge of broadcasting a Persian language program ("Voice
of Israel") for Iran and South Lebanon.
There are several Foreign and Defense Ministry subdivisions tackling
Iranian problem in Israel. Information on nuclear facilities is
collected by military and foreign intelligence services. Foreign
Ministry conducts explanatory activities and maintains international
contacts. And Loubaran’s subdivision occupied its own place within
the hierarchy.
For several years, Loubran’s assistant was former "Mosada" agent Iskhak
Barziley who participated in secret operations in Europe and later –
in Iran. After retirement, he continued to work for Iranian department,
Haaretz reports.