Reichman: Proper probe
Photo: Ofer Amram
Reichman: Peretz, Halutz must go
Protest groups not impressed by cabinet decision to establish governmental probe committee into Lebanon war failures. Prof. Reichman (Kadima): Defense minister and chief of staff should take responsibility, especially for what awaits us in future
Protest groups were disgruntled Sunday by the cabinet’s decision to
set up a governmental probe committee to examine the failures in the war in Lebanon and continued to demand the establishment of an official commission of inquiry.
Prof. Uriel Reichman (Kadima) said to Ynet, “People endangered their lives – and the war needs to be probed fittingly.”
According to Reichman, “In this war, reservists served who thought it fitting to endanger their lives, and demonstrated a generous and loyal spirit which strengthens the nation.”
“Their demand was that circumstances be properly examined, and we must fulfill this demand. The civilian leadership must make sure it is carried out,” he stressed.
Regarding calls for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz step down, Reichman said, “The prime minister must continue in his position at this stage, but the defense minister and chief of staff should take responsibility, especially for what awaits us in the future.”
“There needs to be a reassessment, and we need a defense minister who is knowledgeable in the field,” he said.
'No public legitimacy'
Various organizations insisting the war be examined by an official commission of inquiry said the Winograd committee was insufficient, and noted that their struggle would continue.
The Movement for Quality Government also harshly criticized the ministerial decision.
“The government doesn’t understand that the committee does not have the legitimacy of the public, and so won’t have its conclusions either, the movement wrote in a statement.
