Israel Matzav

Winograd to step up to the plate

Ehud K. Olmert's hand-picked investigator, retired judge Eliyahu Winograd, may step up to the plate later this month and suggest that Olmert and 'defense minister' Amir Comrade Peretz resign due to their poor performance in this past summer's war in Lebanon.

The commission released an announcement today stating, "In recent days, guesses, speculation and journalistic 'information' regarding the Winograd Commission report, its publication date, and the members' opinions have been publicized. None of this information was publicized on behalf of the Commission itself or its members."

The announcement stated, however, that the interim report would include a discussion of general principles of the commission's work and its understanding of its mission. The commission analyzed the period prior to the war, beginning with the IDF's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000, as well as government decisions made in the days following the kidnapping of the two IDF soldiers by Hizbullah. The war effectively began on that day - July 12, 2006.

The analysis of the decisions at the onset of the war will include three chapters: Detailed Findings; System-Wide and Personal Conclusions regarding the responsibility of the Prime Minister, Defense Minister and Chief of Staff; and System-Wide Recommendations.

The final report is expected only by June or July. Many calls have been made to hasten the report, in light of the possibility that another war may break out by then, and in fact the Commission's announcement today says that "every effort will be made to release the full report as quickly as possible."

Tonight, I had to do a little driving around Jerusalem, and I heard on the radio that five candidates have already lined up to take Olmert's position as the head of Kadima Achora: Tzipi Feigele Livni, Shaul Mofaz, leftist Meir Shitreet, Slimy Shimon Peres (who has never won a national election) and Avi Dichter. Feigele is currently the leader. But Kadima Achora 'officials' are worried that the party that is based on nothing may fall apart.

Another thing they discussed was whether the goal was replacing the government or disbanding the Knesset and calling for new elections. For the opposition - certainly for the Likud - new elections are a must. The Knesset that would be elected would be much better for the right to work with than the current Knesset. But don't count on elections anytime soon. Olmert is out for no one but himself and despite his 3% approval rating, he knows how to take advantage of the system better than anyone. Batya is convinced that there won't be elections anytime soon. (Hat Tip: Soccer Dad). I think she's right ... unless... something galvanizes Israelis to take to the streets. The Winograd report could be that something. But with war looming this spring, it may be too late already. Elections take at least three months here.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:51 AM