fix: Gemini engine uses .gemini/settings.json instead of unsupported --mcp-config flag by Copilot · Pull Request #16938 · github/gh-aw

Copilot · 2026-02-19T22:28:05Z

Gemini CLI does not support --mcp-config. It reads MCP server configuration from .gemini/settings.json (project-level). The compiled lock file was generating gemini --mcp-config /tmp/gh-aw/mcp-config/mcp-servers.json ..., causing immediate rejection: Unknown arguments: mcp-config, mcpConfig.

Changes

pkg/workflow/gemini_engine.go — Remove --mcp-config from CLI args; update GH_AW_MCP_CONFIG env var to ${{ github.workspace }}/.gemini/settings.json
actions/setup/sh/convert_gateway_config_gemini.sh (new) — Gateway output → Gemini settings.json converter, following the same pattern as convert_gateway_config_claude.sh. Strips type/tools fields, fixes gateway domain URLs, writes to $GITHUB_WORKSPACE/.gemini/settings.json
actions/setup/sh/start_mcp_gateway.sh — Add gemini) case to engine type router
pkg/workflow/gemini_engine_test.go — Assert --mcp-config is absent, verify correct settings path

Engine	MCP Config Method
Claude	`--mcp-config <path>` CLI flag
Copilot	`--mcp-config-file <path>`
Codex	`--mcp-config <path>` CLI flag
Gemini	`.gemini/settings.json` file

Warning

Firewall rules blocked me from connecting to one or more addresses (expand for details)

I tried to connect to the following addresses, but was blocked by firewall rules:

https://api.github.com/graphql
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh /usr/bin/gh api graphql -f query=query($owner: String!, $name: String!) { repository(owner: $owner, name: $name) { hasDiscussionsEnabled } } -f owner=github -f name=gh-aw -nolocalimports -importcfg git t-22�� k/gh-aw/gh-aw/.github/workflows/ai-moderator.md ache/go/1.25.0/xGO111MODULE /usr/bin/git 923731/b355/_pkggit GO111MODULE 64/bin/go git (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh /usr/bin/gh api graphql -f query=query($owner: String!, $name: String!) { repository(owner: $owner, name: $name) { hasDiscussionsEnabled } } -f owner=github -f name=gh-aw go /usr/bin/git sh -c "prettier" --wriGOINSECURE git 64/bin/go tierignore x_amd64/vet /usr/bin/git go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh /usr/bin/gh api graphql -f query=query($owner: String!, $name: String!) { repository(owner: $owner, name: $name) { hasDiscussionsEnabled } } -f owner=github -f name=gh-aw go /usr/bin/git node /hom�� --write scripts/**/*.js /node .prettierignore x_amd64/compile /usr/bin/git go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 --jq .object.sha re GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD iles,SysoFiles,T/home/REDACTED/work/gh-aw/gh-aw/.github/workflows go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v3
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v3 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE ache/go/1.25.0/x64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env 4124-27640/test-3683061085/.github/workflows GO111MODULE .cfg GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v4
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v4 --jq .object.sha 5 c1f3a7e6e2ab4063a7f10073:go.mod /opt/hostedtoolcache/go/1.25.0/x64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env 4124-27640/test-823209778 GO111MODULE /opt/hostedtoolcache/go/1.25.0/x64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v4 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE /opt/hostedtoolcache/go/1.25.0/x64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE /opt/hostedtoolcache/go/1.25.0/x64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v4 --jq .object.sha --show-toplevel go r,url,status,conclusion,workflowName,createdAt,startedAt,updatedAt,event,headBranch,headSha,disp--show-toplevel 1zH8/K9m-5ZMr7Yugit flow-12345 64/bin/go git -C /tmp/gh-aw-test-runs/20260219-224124-27640/test-823209778 rev-parse /usr/bin/git @{u} k/gh-aw/gh-aw/pkrev-parse 64/bin/go git (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v5
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v5 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE x_amd64/vet GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE x_amd64/vet (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v5 --jq .object.sha sistency_GoAndJavaScript2723016421/001/test-empty-frontmatter.md GO111MODULE ipts.test GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE ipts.test 5658�� /tmp/go-build2565835510/b405/_pkg_.a -trimpath /usr/bin/git -p github.com/githurev-parse -lang=go1.25 git (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v5 --jq .object.sha GOMODCACHE sh /usr/bin/git npx prettier --cgit GOPROXY 64/bin/go git rev-�� --show-toplevel node /usr/bin/git ub/workflows scripts/**/*.js 64/bin/go git (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v6
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/checkout/git/ref/tags/v6 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/github-script/git/ref/tags/v7
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/github-script/git/ref/tags/v7 --jq .object.sha prettier --write 64/bin/go **/*.ts **/*.json --ignore-path sh -c npx prettier --wGOSUMDB git /sh tierignore go /usr/bin/git go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/github-script/git/ref/tags/v7 --jq .object.sha prettier --write 64/bin/go **/*.ts **/*.json --ignore-path sh -c npx prettier --wGOSUMDB git 64/bin/go tierignore go /usr/bin/git go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/github-script/git/ref/tags/v7 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE es/.bin/node GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/github-script/git/ref/tags/v8
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/github-script/git/ref/tags/v8 --jq .object.sha GOSUMDB GOWORK 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env ck 'scripts/**/*GOINSECURE GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/github-script/git/ref/tags/v8 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD erignore go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/github-script/git/ref/tags/v8 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/4dc6199c7b1a012772edbd06daecab0f50c9053c
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/4dc6199c7b1a012772edbd06daecab0f50c9053c --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE s not exist yet"config (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/v4
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/v4 --jq .object.sha bot-detection.md GO111MODULE 64/pkg/tool/linux_amd64/vet GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE 64/pkg/tool/linux_amd64/vet env -json .cfg .cfg GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/v5
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/v5 --jq .object.sha "prettier" --wriGOSUMDB git 64/bin/go --show-toplevel go /usr/bin/git go env re GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/v6
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/v6 --jq .object.sha --noprofile git 64/bin/go --show-toplevel go /usr/bin/git sh -c "prettier" --wriGOINSECURE git 64/bin/go --show-toplevel x_amd64/vet /usr/bin/git node (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/v6 --jq .object.sha "prettier" --wriGOINSECURE gh 64/bin/go list --json /usr/bin/git sh -c "prettier" --wriGOSUMDB git 64/bin/go --show-toplevel x_amd64/compile /usr/bin/git go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-go/git/ref/tags/v6 --jq .object.sha "prettier" --wriGOINSECURE infocmp 64/bin/go xterm-color go /usr/bin/git sh -c "prettier" --wriGOSUMDB git 64/bin/go --show-toplevel x_amd64/vet run-script/lib/nactions/setup-cli/install.sh go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/setup-node/git/ref/tags/v4
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-node/git/ref/tags/v4 --jq .object.sha blog-auditor.md GO111MODULE /opt/hostedtoolcache/go/1.25.0/x64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE /opt/hostedtoolcache/go/1.25.0/x64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/actions/setup-node/git/ref/tags/v6
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-node/git/ref/tags/v6 --jq .object.sha --noprofile git 64/bin/go --show-toplevel go /usr/bin/git sh -c "prettier" --wriGOINSECURE git 64/bin/go --show-toplevel x_amd64/vet run-script/lib/n--check node (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-node/git/ref/tags/v6 --jq .object.sha "prettier" --wriGOINSECURE /opt/hostedtoolcGOMOD 64/bin/go github.event.inpnode go /usr/bin/git sh -c "prettier" --wri**/*.ts git 64/bin/go --show-toplevel go /usr/bin/git ; \ fi (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/actions/setup-node/git/ref/tags/v6 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE r: $owner, name:-f GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env json' --ignore-path ../../../.pr**/*.json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/anchore/sbom-action/git/ref/tags/v0
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/anchore/sbom-action/git/ref/tags/v0 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/anchore/sbom-action/git/ref/tags/v0 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE $name) { hasDiscussionsEnabled } } GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/docker/build-push-action/git/ref/tags/v6
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/docker/build-push-action/git/ref/tags/v6 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE $name) { hasDiscussionsEnabled } } GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/docker/build-push-action/git/ref/tags/v6 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE ode_modules/.bin-f GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/docker/login-action/git/ref/tags/v3
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/docker/login-action/git/ref/tags/v3 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE ode_modules/.bin-f GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/docker/login-action/git/ref/tags/v3 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE es/.bin/node GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/docker/metadata-action/git/ref/tags/v5
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/docker/metadata-action/git/ref/tags/v5 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE ode_modules/.bin/node GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/docker/metadata-action/git/ref/tags/v5 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/docker/setup-buildx-action/git/ref/tags/v3
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/docker/setup-buildx-action/git/ref/tags/v3 --jq .object.sha ./cmd/gh-aw GO111MODULE $name) { hasDiscussionsEnabled } } GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/docker/setup-buildx-action/git/ref/tags/v3 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/actions/runs/1/artifacts
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run download 1 --dir test-logs/run-1 GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/actions/runs/12345/artifacts
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run download 12345 --dir test-logs/run-12345 GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/actions/runs/12346/artifacts
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run download 12346 --dir test-logs/run-12346 GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/actions/runs/2/artifacts
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run download 2 --dir test-logs/run-2 GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env hub/workflows GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/actions/runs/3/artifacts
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run download 3 --dir test-logs/run-3 GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env hub/workflows GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/actions/runs/4/artifacts
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run download 4 --dir test-logs/run-4 GO111MODULE x_amd64/link GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE x_amd64/link env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE -j/NEbzTRrGx3Hf7l9Ai1Xn/DcrjArqgremote.origin.url (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/actions/runs/5/artifacts
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run download 5 --dir test-logs/run-5 GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/actions/workflows
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh workflow list --json name,state,path heck '**/*.cjs' GOINSECURE GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run list --json databaseId,number,url,status,conclusion,workflowName,createdAt,startedAt,updatedAt,event,headBranch,headSha,displayTitle --workflow nonexistent-workflow-12345 --limit 100 bagabas/go-udiff-V=full GOMODCACHE go env DfIt/H91eAJ5JZRwGOSUMDB GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE 923731/b381/importcfg (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run list --json databaseId,number,url,status,conclusion,workflowName,createdAt,startedAt,updatedAt,event,headBranch,headSha,displayTitle --workflow nonexistent-workflow-12345 --limit 6 GOMOD GOMODCACHE x_amd64/link env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE aW/2osiZ8zMNj6LByjKSNgl/XqMbwRRyyZs52_mFyI41 (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/git/ref/tags/a70c5eada06553e3510ac27f2c3bda9d3705bccb
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/github/gh-aw/git/ref/tags/a70c5eada06553e3510ac27f2c3bda9d3705bccb --jq .object.sha npx prettier --wGOSUMDB 0/x64/bin/npm 64/bin/go tierignore go /usr/bin/git go env h ../../../.pret.prettierignore GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/github/gh-aw/git/ref/tags/v1.0.0
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/github/gh-aw/git/ref/tags/v1.0.0 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/githubnext/agentics/git/ref/tags/-
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/githubnext/agentics/git/ref/tags/- --jq .object.sha --write ../../../**/*.js--ignore-path $name) { hasDiscussionsEnabled } } --ignore-path ../../../.pretti-V=full /usr/bin/git go env re GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/nonexistent/action/git/ref/tags/v999.999.999
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/nonexistent/action/git/ref/tags/v999.999.999 --jq .object.sha -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env 3683061085/.github/workflows GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/nonexistent/repo/actions/runs/12345
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh run view 12345 --repo nonexistent/repo --json status,conclusion GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/owner/repo/actions/workflows
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh workflow list --json name,state,path --repo owner/repo 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD erignore go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE c1f3a7e6e2ab4063-c GOMODCACHE go (http block)
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh workflow list --json name,state,path --repo owner/repo 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE erignore env -json c1f3a7e6e2ab4063GOMOD 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/owner/repo/contents/file.md
- Triggering command: /tmp/go-build2565835510/b380/cli.test /tmp/go-build2565835510/b380/cli.test -test.testlogfile=/tmp/go-build2565835510/b380/testlog.txt -test.paniconexit0 -test.v=true -test.parallel=4 -test.timeout=10m0s -test.run=^Test -test.short=true GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go k/gh�� -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD erignore go (http block)
https://api.github.com/repos/test-owner/test-repo/actions/secrets
- Triggering command: /usr/bin/gh gh api /repos/test-owner/test-repo/actions/secrets --jq .secrets[].name heck '**/*.cjs' GOINSECURE GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD ode-gyp-bin/sh go env -json GO111MODULE 64/bin/go GOINSECURE GOMOD GOMODCACHE go (http block)

If you need me to access, download, or install something from one of these locations, you can either:

Configure Actions setup steps to set up my environment, which run before the firewall is enabled
Add the appropriate URLs or hosts to the custom allowlist in this repository's Copilot coding agent settings (admins only)

Original prompt

This section details on the original issue you should resolve
<issue_title>fix: Gemini engine passes unsupported --mcp-config flag to Gemini CLI</issue_title>
<issue_description>## Bug
The Gemini engine compiler generates a CLI invocation with --mcp-config, which the Gemini CLI does not support:
gemini --mcp-config /tmp/gh-aw/mcp-config/mcp-servers.json --output-format json --prompt "..."
Gemini CLI rejects this immediately:
Unknown arguments: mcp-config, mcpConfig
Reproduction
Triggered Smoke Gemini workflow on gh-aw-firewall after merging github/gh-aw-firewall#974:
Failed run: https://github.com/github/gh-aw-firewall/actions/runs/22202278807
Gemini CLI version: @google/gemini-cli@0.29.0
gh-aw version: v0.47.0
Root Cause
The compiled lock file (line 1373) passes --mcp-config as a CLI flag:
gemini --mcp-config /tmp/gh-aw/mcp-config/mcp-servers.json --output-format json --prompt "$(cat /tmp/gh-aw/aw-prompts/prompt.txt)"
Gemini CLI does not have a --mcp-config flag. Instead, it reads MCP server configuration from settings.json files:
Global: ~/.gemini/settings.json
Project: .gemini/settings.json
The mcpServers key in settings.json supports command, url, or httpUrl transports. See: https://geminicli.com/docs/tools/mcp-server/
Impact
Agent never starts (0 turns, 0 tokens)
All downstream jobs (detection, safe_outputs) are skipped
The firewall itself works correctly — only the CLI invocation is broken
Suggested Fix
In the Gemini engine command builder (pkg/workflow/gemini_engine.go or equivalent):
Instead of passing --mcp-config <path>, write the MCP config to .gemini/settings.json (project-level) as a pre-step before invoking the Gemini CLI
The settings.json format uses mcpServers key with server entries containing command/url/httpUrl
Remove --mcp-config from the generated command
Comparison with Other Engines
Engine MCP Config Method
Claude --mcp-config <path> CLI flag
Copilot --mcp-config-file <path> or ~/.copilot/mcp-config.json
Codex --mcp-config <path> CLI flag
Gemini ~/.gemini/settings.json or .gemini/settings.json file
Audit Data
gh aw audit 22202278807
1 error, 0 warnings
Agent job: failure
Duration: 3.8m (mostly container build time)</issue_description>
Comments on the Issue (you are @copilot in this section)

Fixesfix: Gemini engine passes unsupported --mcp-config flag to Gemini CLI #16933

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Changeset

Type: patch
Description: Ensure the Gemini engine writes its MCP configuration to .gemini/settings.json instead of relying on the unsupported --mcp-config flag

Generated by Changeset Generator

✨ PR Review Safe Output Test - Run 22204310776

💥 [THE END] — Illustrated by Smoke Claude

…--mcp-config flag Remove --mcp-config CLI flag from Gemini engine execution (Gemini CLI does not support it). Instead, add convert_gateway_config_gemini.sh that writes MCP server configuration to .gemini/settings.json (project-level), which is the format Gemini CLI expects. Update start_mcp_gateway.sh to route Gemini engine to the new conversion script. Co-authored-by: Mossaka <5447827+Mossaka@users.noreply.github.com>

Accept main's smoke-gemini.lock.yml; will recompile after. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

Copilot

Pull request overview

Fixes Gemini engine MCP configuration by switching from an unsupported --mcp-config CLI flag to Gemini CLI’s expected project-level .gemini/settings.json.

Changes:

Removed --mcp-config from Gemini CLI invocation and updated GH_AW_MCP_CONFIG to point at ${{ github.workspace }}/.gemini/settings.json.
Added a Gemini MCP gateway config conversion script that writes .gemini/settings.json.
Updated MCP gateway startup routing and Gemini engine tests/lock workflow to reflect the new configuration mechanism.

Reviewed changes

Copilot reviewed 6 out of 6 changed files in this pull request and generated 1 comment.

Show a summary per file

File	Description
`pkg/workflow/gemini_engine.go`	Stops emitting unsupported `--mcp-config` flag; sets MCP config env var to `.gemini/settings.json` when MCP servers are present.
`pkg/workflow/gemini_engine_test.go`	Updates assertions to ensure `--mcp-config` is absent and env var points to `.gemini/settings.json`.
`actions/setup/sh/start_mcp_gateway.sh`	Adds `gemini)` converter dispatch case.
`actions/setup/sh/convert_gateway_config_gemini.sh`	New converter that transforms gateway output into Gemini `.gemini/settings.json`.
`.github/workflows/smoke-gemini.lock.yml`	Updates generated workflow invocation/env to remove `--mcp-config` and use `.gemini/settings.json`.

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Recompiled with dev build. The lock file now uses .gemini/settings.json for MCP config instead of the unsupported --mcp-config CLI flag. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:21:47Z

✨ The prophecy is fulfilled... Smoke Codex has completed its mystical journey. The stars align. 🌟

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:21:49Z

🎬 THE END — Smoke ClaudeMISSION: ACCOMPLISHED! The hero saves the day! ✨

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:21:50Z

📰 BREAKING: Smoke Copilot is now investigating this pull request. Sources say the story is developing...

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:21:55Z

🧪 Smoke Temporary ID is now testing temporary ID functionality...

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:21:56Z

🧪 Smoke Project is now testing project operations...

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:25:05Z

✅ Smoke Project completed successfully. All project operations validated.

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:26:42Z

PR titles:

Bundle WASM release assets into versioned archive
fix(daily-repo-chronicle): move discussion category to announcements
GitHub MCP: ✅
Serena MCP: ✅
Playwright: ✅
File write+cat: ✅
Build gh-aw: ✅
Overall: PASS

🔮 The oracle has spoken through Smoke Codex for issue #16938

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:28:29Z

Smoke test results for @Mossaka and @Copilot:

Test	Status
GitHub MCP	✅
Safe Inputs GH CLI	✅
Serena MCP	❌ (not configured)
Playwright	✅
File Writing	✅
Bash Tool	✅
Discussion Interaction	✅
Build gh-aw	✅
Discussion Creation	✅
Haiku Printer	✅
PR Review	✅

Overall: ⚠️ PARTIAL PASS (10/11 — Serena MCP unavailable)

📰 BREAKING: Report filed by Smoke Copilot for issue #16938

github-actions

Reviewed PR #16938: Gemini MCP config fix. The approach of writing to .gemini/settings.json instead of using the unsupported --mcp-config flag is correct. The new conversion script and engine changes look good overall.

📰 BREAKING: Report filed by Smoke Copilot for issue #16938

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:28:31Z

-	if HasMCPServers(workflowData) {
- geminiArgs = append(geminiArgs, "--mcp-config", "/tmp/gh-aw/mcp-config/mcp-servers.json")
-	}
+	// Gemini CLI reads MCP config from .gemini/settings.json (project-level)


Good fix! Removing the --mcp-config flag and delegating config to .gemini/settings.json aligns with how Gemini CLI actually works. The comment clearly explains the intent.

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:28:31Z

+GEMINI_SETTINGS_FILE="${GEMINI_SETTINGS_DIR}/settings.json"
+
+mkdir -p "$GEMINI_SETTINGS_DIR"
+


The jq transformation correctly strips the type and tools fields that Gemini doesn't support. Consider adding a check for an empty mcpServers object in case the gateway output has no servers, to avoid writing an invalid settings file.

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:28:50Z

📰 VERDICT: Smoke Copilot has concluded. All systems operational. This is a developing story. 🎤

github-actions · 2026-02-19T23:32:26Z

Smoke Test Results - Run §22204310776

Overall: PARTIAL (16 passed, 1 skipped)

💥 [THE END] — Illustrated by Smoke Claude for issue #16938

github-actions

💥 Automated smoke test review - all systems nominal!

💥 [THE END] — Illustrated by Smoke Claude for issue #16938

… config pattern (v2.5) Daily documentation consolidation for 2026-02-19. Analyzed 61 markdown files in scratchpad/, fixed 6 marketing/subjective language instances, added Engine-Specific MCP Config Delivery documentation based on the Gemini engine fix (PR #16938), and updated scratchpad/dev.md to v2.5. Changes: - scratchpad/dev.md: version v2.4->v2.5, added Engine-Specific MCP Config Delivery section with Mermaid diagram (1757->1787 lines) - scratchpad/engine-architecture-review.md: removed 'well-designed', 'excellent flexibility', 'excellent extensibility', 'well-organized' - scratchpad/engine-review-summary.md: removed 'excellent and ready for extension', 'excellent test coverage', 'well-designed' - scratchpad/errors.md: 'user-friendly' -> 'clear explanations for end users' Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

- Add Google Gemini as a supported AI engine in engines.md, including setup steps for GEMINI_API_KEY and a note about MCP configuration via .gemini/settings.json (from #16938 and #16983) - Expand the ecosystem identifiers table in network.md from a compact multi-value row to individual rows with domain examples for each identifier, and add new entries: clojure, elixir, kotlin, scala, zig (from #17072) Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

Initial plan
ecd125b

CopilotAI assigned Copilot and Mossaka Feb 19, 2026

Copilotstarted work on behalf of Mossaka February 19, 2026 22:28 View session

This was referenced Feb 19, 2026
Smoke Test: Copilot - 22202834054 #16945
Closed
Smoke Test: Claude - 22202834023 #16949
Closed

CopilotAI changed the title ~~[WIP] Fix unsupported --mcp-config flag in Gemini CLI~~fix: Gemini engine uses .gemini/settings.json instead of unsupported --mcp-config flagFeb 19, 2026

CopilotAI requested a review from Mossaka February 19, 2026 22:50

Copilotfinished work on behalf of Mossaka February 19, 2026 22:50

Mossaka marked this pull request as ready for review February 19, 2026 22:54

CopilotAI review requested due to automatic review settings February 19, 2026 22:54

Copilotstarted reviewing on behalf of Mossaka February 19, 2026 22:55 View session

fix: resolve merge conflicts with main
7a19e37
Accept main's smoke-gemini.lock.yml; will recompile after. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

CopilotAI reviewed Feb 19, 2026
View reviewed changes

Comment threadactions/setup/sh/convert_gateway_config_gemini.sh

fix: recompile smoke-gemini workflow with --mcp-config flag removed
dcd4d8b
Recompiled with dev build. The lock file now uses .gemini/settings.json for MCP config instead of the unsupported --mcp-config CLI flag. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

Mossaka force-pushed the copilot/fix-gemini-cli-unsupported-flag branch from e2bfdf7 to dcd4d8bCompare February 19, 2026 23:01

Mossaka added the smoke label Feb 19, 2026

github-actionsBot mentioned this pull request Feb 19, 2026
[smoke-temporary-id] Test Parent: Temporary ID Validation #16966
Closed

Add changeset [skip-ci]
44ed384

This was referenced Feb 19, 2026
[smoke-temporary-id] Sub-Issue 1: Test Temporary ID References #16967
Closed
[smoke-temporary-id] Sub-Issue 2: Test Different ID Length #16968
Closed

github-actionsBot added the smoke-codex label Feb 19, 2026

github-actionsBot removed the smoke label Feb 19, 2026

github-actionsBot mentioned this pull request Feb 19, 2026
Smoke Test: Copilot - 22204310773 #16972
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github-actionsBot reviewed Feb 19, 2026
View reviewed changes

test: Add smoke test file for run 22204310776
9e7ee95

github-actionsBot mentioned this pull request Feb 19, 2026
Smoke Test: Claude - 22204310776 #16973
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Mossaka merged commit a280a6b into mainFeb 19, 2026

Mossaka deleted the copilot/fix-gemini-cli-unsupported-flag branch February 19, 2026 23:52

Mossaka mentioned this pull request Feb 19, 2026
fix: add --yolo flag to Gemini CLI for auto-approving tool executions #16983
Merged
8 tasks

github-actionsBot mentioned this pull request Feb 20, 2026
[instructions] Sync github-agentic-workflows.md with v0.47.1 #16987
Closed
6 tasks

This was referenced Feb 20, 2026
[docs] Consolidate developer specifications - fix tone, add Gemini MCP config pattern (v2.5) #17000
Merged
Smoke Test: Claude - 22205336918 #17007
Closed
fix: macOS compatibility for copilot CLI install + FAQ on macOS runners #16970
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github-actionsBot mentioned this pull request Feb 20, 2026
[docs] Update documentation for Gemini engine and new ecosystem identifiers #17091
Closed

		GEMINI_SETTINGS_FILE="${GEMINI_SETTINGS_DIR}/settings.json"

		mkdir -p "$GEMINI_SETTINGS_DIR"

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