Olmert: Gov't working to correct failings

The Winograd Report on the Second Lebanon War "is thorough, comprehensive and poses difficult questions," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in a Kadima faction meeting Thursday. A day following the release of the final findings of the investigation into the war's failings, Olmert sounded confident and reassured, noting that the government was diligently working to correct the failures revealed during the war. "The government is working daily to correct these failings. These are not just formal changes – but substantial ones, and they integrate all the relevant bodies," he stated. "There are unprecedented investments in defense, in the implementation of the Brodet Report, and in restocking storages," he added. 'Let's not kid ourselves' The prime minister also extended his sympathies to the families who lost their sons in Lebanon. "I embrace the bereaved families and empathize with their pain - they have sacrificed what was most dear to them. But their sacrifice was not in vein, but for the sake of Israel's security," he stated. Video courtesy of infolive.tv Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who called for Olmert's resignation with the Winograd report's release, said it did not absolve the government of the consequences and ultimate failure of the Second Lebanon War. "We were not absolved yesterday (Wednesday) let's not kid ourselves. The Israeli people have a hard time hearing the words 'missed opportunity' (from the final Winograd report on the Lebanon campaign)," she said. "We must make sure to respond in a reasoned, responsible, level-headed manner and fulfill the duties for which we were appointed." According to the foreign minister, the government must now prove that it has internalized the report's criticism by "focusing on the diplomatic process and dealing with the security-related issues." Fellow Kadima member Meir Sheetrit said during the meeting that the party must "rally around the prime minister", while Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On said some members were trying to create a split within Kadima. "We must convey a message from this room that (a split) is not an option," Bar-On said. "We must embrace the army we have no other." The finance minister added that "the Right had attempted to convince the bereaved families that their loved ones died for nothing, but the Winograd Commission refuted this claim." Earlier Thursday, Kadima Knesset Member Avigdor Itzchaky announced his intention to resign from the Knesset and from politics in three weeks. Itzchaky has been threatening for a long time to resign from the Knesset if Olmert failed to do so following the publication of the Winograd Report. He will be replaced by Shlomo Mula. Roni Sofer contributed to the report

Olmert: Gov't working to correct failings

In Kadima faction meeting prime minister says Winograd Report is comprehensive, poses 'difficult questions.' Olmert stresses government working diligently to correct problems revealed during Second Lebanon War. Livni: We were not absolved yesterday