PM's aides: Peretz's behavior foolish
Olmert's aides slam defense minister's decision to toe Labor party line, support establishment of state commission of inquiry. 'Peretz acting like man under pressure, trying to save his own skin,' source close to PM says
In light of the growing public and partisan pressure exerted on the defense minister in recent days to oppose the governmental inquiry commissions appointed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Peretz consulted with his advisors how he should act. The minister is now expected to demand the setting up of an inquiry commission headed by a judge, along with the majority of his faction members.
Close aides of the PM were infuriated with Peretz's decision.
"This behavior is foolish. Amir Peretz is acting like a politician who lost all control," they said. "His decision is surprising since he was the first to announce the commission of inquiry led by Amnon Lipkin-Shahak. He's acting like a man under pressure who is trying to save his skin," they stated.
Meanwhile, officials in the Prime Minister's Office said that "the defense minister has the right to do what he sees fit. We are not happy with the decision, but this is not expected to influence the relations between the two. The coalition will not fall because of this."
Opposition within Labor
What brought about the dramatic turn in the defense minister's stance is apparently Peretz's concern that Olmert's decision to create two committees would concentrate the probe's attention on him, as head of the military echelon. Another major reason for the change of heart is Peretz's desire to toe the party line.
In recent days, Peretz stressed that he is ready to face any investigating commission, and also pointed an accusing finger at his predecessors, hinting to former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz's responsibility for the Israel Defense Forces' shortcomings during wartime.
Contrary to the chairman, Labor Ministers Binyamin Ben Eliezer, Isaac Herzog and Shalom Simhon, are still firm in their objection to a state commission of inquiry. The three said that even if the faction decides to support the establishment of such a commission during Friday's faction meeting, they were not obliged to vote against the PM's proposal in the cabinet.
The faction will meet to discuss the issue on Friday morning, and Peretz's new stance is expected to be supported by a large majority.
Since Olmert announced that he was splitting the investigation of the war, he has encountered public criticism, but his aides claimed it was lesser then expected. Sources at the Prime Minister's Office estimated that "he will survive."
However, it is unclear when and how the disagreements will be settled in the political arena, where it seems the war has only just begun.
