War report scathing for Olmert, Peretz

Early leaks of Winograd Committee findings accuse prime minister of mismanaging war, slam defense minister's lack of military knowledge. While both officials scramble to defend themselves reports indicate Olmert may the one forced to resign. Meanwhile army unsurprised by criticism against then-chief of staff for his arrogance, but with Halutz already gone the public may demand dismissal of his yes-men

Attila Somfalvi
Published: 04.29.07, 01:31 / Israel News

Preliminary details about the contents of the Winograd Committee’s report regarding the country's leadership during the Second Lebanon War were leaked over the weekend and sent the country's leadership into a frenzy of defensive and offensive political maneuvering as the country counts down to official release of war committee's findings.

A report broadcast by Israel's Channel 10 news claimed on Saturday evening that the committee found Prime Minister Ehud Olmert failed to put into action emergency plans drawn up long before the war. Fearing it would result in heavy casualties Olmert resisted a ground incursion into Lebanon but presented no cohesive alternative in its stead due to a lack of structured planning. According to the committee the war was grossly mismanaged and decisions were hastily made in the ensuing chaos.

According to the report the committee faulted the entire wartime decision-making process and said it was not up to the standard of leadership necessary during an emergency situation.