Israeli leadership braces for Winograd report

Olmert, Peretz prepare for expected public backlash following release of partial Winograd Committee report. A wave of demonstrations already planned throughout week to pressure those responsible for war failures to resign

Ynet
Published: 04.30.07, 00:56 / Israel News

More than eight months after it was convened to investigate the conduct of Israel's political and military leadership during the Second Lebanon War, the Winograd Commission will release its interim report at 5 pm Monday.

Winograd Leaks

War report scathing for Olmert, Peretz / Attila Somfalvi

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

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The partial report will delve into the situation created along Israel's northern border following the army's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000 and provide an overview of the country's actions in the years leading up to the war as Hizbullah continued garnered strength.

The committee, appointed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in September 2006, will continue its work and issue its complete report in the summer.

The various protest movements who lay low these past few months have already reared their collective heads and mass demonstrations are scheduled throughout the week under the banner of assuming personal responsibility and demanding the immediate resignation of Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz.

Weekend leaks of the partial report indicate Olmert, Peretz and former Chief of Staff Dan Halutz are regarded as the key culprits in the mismanaged war.

Olmert and Peretz are already heavily immersed in attempts to deflect the criticism directed at them by the committee and their respective media teams are working overtime to fend off the public and political pressure expected to peak on Monday afternoon.

At 4 pm the Winograd members will assemble in Olmert's office in Jerusalem and present him with the report, giving him an hour to study its contents before releasing the report to the general public at 5 pm in a press conference which will be preceded by a short speech by the committee's chairman, former Supreme Court Judge Eliyahu Winograd.

The full text of the partial report will be available online and within two weeks the committee will release the testimonies of Olmert, Peretz and Halutz. Committee members will also meet with bereaved families who lost their sons in the war and present their findings in private.

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