Government committee to probe war
In cabinet meeting Sunday, government approves establishment of Winograd committee to investigate Lebanon war's failures. PM says in meeting: 'Hope that commission will complete probe as soon as possible and help country deal with challenges ahead'
The cabinet approved Sunday Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s proposal to establish a governmental examination committee headed by retired Justice Eliyahu Winograd to examine the failures of the war in Lebanon.
Twenty ministers voted in favor of the initiative, two opposed and one abstained from the vote.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz retracted his demand to establish a state commission of inquiry, and granted his support for the governmental committee.
"I decided to vote for the committee after the prime minister was willing to accommodate my requests, including having a judge head the committee, setting equal standards for the investigation of the political and military echelon, allowing privilege for the witnesses and giving the committee subpoena powers," Peretz explained.
Cabinet meeting Sunday morning (Photo: Reuters)
"From the point when the prime minister decided on a governmental committee, there was no longer a need for the examination committee I set up for the defense establishment, since it created different standards for the political and military echelons," he added.
"I believe that a state commission of inquiry is the preferred alternative… but now there's a new situation, in which both the political and military echelons will be investigated according to the same standards," Peretz stated.
"The main thing we need right now is for the probe to be on its way, and to stop wasting time. I've decided to stand by the governmental committee, in order for it to be given a public backing as broad as possible, and so that it can begin working as soon as possible," he concluded."
Public protest
At the opening of the cabinet meeting, the PM said: "I hope that the committee conclude its investigation as soon as possible, thus assisting the country in handling the challenges and the threats ahead," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said at the opening of the meeting.
Olmert added that the justice minister will recommend granting a broad mandate to the committee.
While the ministers were entering the meeting, a loud demonstration was launched opposite the Prime Minister's Office. Protesters called for the setting up of a state commission of inquiry, and held up signs saying, "No More Cover-Ups."
Dr. Eliyahu Winograd, former president of Tel Aviv Magistrate Court, has already headed a number of public commissions. He investigated university tuition, and recommended to lower it. As well, he examined the information in the hands of the IDF regarding the captured navigator, Ron Arad.
Alongside Winograd will serve the remaining members of the Admoni Commission who received the go ahead from Attorney General Menachem Mazuz – former Mossad chief Nahum Admoni, Prof. Yehezkel Dror, and Ruth Gabizon.
