(AKI) - A partial report by a government-appointed committee probing Israel's war with Lebanon last year sharply criticised Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert accusing him of "severe failure" of judgment, responsibility and caution. The report, officially released at an afternoon news conference in Jerusalem on Monday, says Olmert acted hastily in leading the country to war last July 12, without having a comprehensive plan. The prime minister, the report said, "bears supreme and comprehensive responsibility for the decisions of 'his' government and the operations of the army."Olmert also came under fire for what the report said was his failure to consult with either military or non-military experts. "The prime minister made up his mind hastily, despite the fact that no detailed military plan was submitted to him and without asking for one," the report said. "He made his decision without systematic consultation with others, especially outside the IDF (Israeli Defence Force), despite not having experience in external-political and military affairs." Olmert was also censured for failing to "adapt his plans once it became clear that the assumptions and expectations of Israel's actions were not realistic and were not materializing."
"All of these," the report said, "add up to a serious failure in exercising judgment, responsibility and prudence."
As expected, defense minister Amir Peretz was also not spared criticism for his role before and during the month-long conflict. Pertz it said was unaware of the state of the Israel Defense Forces, even though he should have been. Peretz "did not have knowledge or experience in military, political or governmental matters. He also did not have good knowledge of the basic principles of using military force to achieve political goals."
Despite these deficiencies, the report states, "he made his decisions during this period without systemic consultations with experienced political and professional experts, including outside the security establishment." In fact, the panel found, "his serving as minister of defense during the war impaired Israel's ability to respond well to its challenges."
They'd have been better off with a log. At least they could have used it to build a fire if it got cold.
The complete findings of the commission are expected to be published by June.