Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz, who announced his resignation just eleven days ago, appeared before the committee today to give his version of last summer's events. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's testimony is scheduled for later this week, as is that of former IDF Northern Commander, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Udi Adam.
Halutz resigned following what was widely perceived – on both sides of the political spectrum – as a botched handling of the Second Lebanon War. Reports by the media and previous commissions have painted a picture of an IDF that was indecisive strategically, confused tactically and unprepared logistically.
According to leaks to the media from Halutz confidantes, the outgoing Chief of Staff intends to blame the political tier – specifically, Defense Minister Amir Peretz and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert – for going to war despite IDF recommendations to the contrary. Other reports say that Halutz will take some of the blame for the war, accepting responsibility for his hesitation to call up reserves, among other missteps.
Halutz's resignation may have been timed to precede his testimony, leaving him free to attack his superiors.
Judging by precedent, the Winograd Commission, headed by Judge Eliyahu Winograd [pictured], could have far reaching political implications for Israel's leadership. Committees created following Israel's previous problematic wars led to changes in the country's leadership.
The findings of the Agranat Committee created after the Yom Kippur War, while not blaming the political tier for the war's failures, ultimately led to a political earthquake, with Prime Minister Golda Meir resigning from office. The Kahan Committee created after the 1982 Sabra and Shatila killings forced then-Defense Minister Ariel Sharon out of office.
Halutz resigned following what was widely perceived – on both sides of the political spectrum – as a botched handling of the Second Lebanon War. Reports by the media and previous commissions have painted a picture of an IDF that was indecisive strategically, confused tactically and unprepared logistically.
According to leaks to the media from Halutz confidantes, the outgoing Chief of Staff intends to blame the political tier – specifically, Defense Minister Amir Peretz and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert – for going to war despite IDF recommendations to the contrary. Other reports say that Halutz will take some of the blame for the war, accepting responsibility for his hesitation to call up reserves, among other missteps.
Halutz's resignation may have been timed to precede his testimony, leaving him free to attack his superiors.
Judging by precedent, the Winograd Commission, headed by Judge Eliyahu Winograd [pictured], could have far reaching political implications for Israel's leadership. Committees created following Israel's previous problematic wars led to changes in the country's leadership.
The findings of the Agranat Committee created after the Yom Kippur War, while not blaming the political tier for the war's failures, ultimately led to a political earthquake, with Prime Minister Golda Meir resigning from office. The Kahan Committee created after the 1982 Sabra and Shatila killings forced then-Defense Minister Ariel Sharon out of office.