Winograd Report
The Winograd Report on Israel’s performance in the war against Hezbollah has been released. And it is unsurprisingly hard on the leadership of the war:
The partial report by a government-appointed committee probing the Second Lebanon War accuses Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of “severe failure” in exercising judgment, responsibility and caution during the outset of the war.
The report, officially released at a 5 P.M. press conference in Jerusalem, says Olmert acted hastily in leading the country to war last July 12, without having a comprehensive plan.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz also came under heavy criticism, with the report condemning him for being unaware of the state of the Israel Defense Forces, even though he should have been.
Dan Halutz, who was IDF chief of staff at the time, was criticized for entering the war “unprepared,” and for failing to inform the cabinet of the true state of the IDf ahead of the ground operation.
The head of the committee, retired judge Eliyahu Winograd, said in reading the conclusions of the inquiry, said that the outcome of the war could have been better had Olmert, Halutz, Peretz acted differently.
Or had there been different leadership. Ariel Sharon may have set disengagement in motion, but he was no amatuer. Especially when it comes to Lebanon. I know he suffered a stroke, but h had no business starting what someone the likes of Ehud Olmert would have to finish. Israel can’t afford this kind of leadership.