Last update - 00:00 20/09/2006
IDF reservists heckle PM during speech, call on him to resign
By Nir Hasson, Haaretz Correspondent, Haaretz Service and Agencies
Veterans of Israel's offensive in Lebanon and parents of slain Israel Defense Forces troops disrupted a speech by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds on Wednesday in the most aggressive show yet of public disapproval of his government.
Olmert was giving a toast in celebration of the Jewish New Year to officials of his Kadima Party - an event attended by some 3,000 Kadima activists - when dozens of protesters began heckling him.
In some cases, heated verbal exchanges between protesters and party supporters erupted into physical confrontations broadcast live on Israeli television.
"Olmert, we'll see you booted from office!" yelled one of hecklers. "Take responsibility," yelled another. Other protesters asked Olmert where his children served in the army, cynically referring to the fact that they evaded IDF service.
Olmert wiped his brow, but spoke on defiantly. "We in Kadima made a promise, and we remain faithful to it," he said as the hecklers were shoved out by security men. "Thank God the majority of the people here think differently than you."
The interruptions ceased following police intervention. "Ushers tried to take us out, but they stood back when they realized who they were dealing with," Muskal said.
After being driven out, the protesters continued demonstrating outside the hall, calling for a state commission of inquiry and the resignations of Olmert, Defense Minister Amir Peretz and IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz.
Reserve soldiers, thousands of whom complained they were not properly equipped or trained for the battle, have taken the lead in protesting against the government in the wake of the war.
Under growing pressure, Olmert announced the formation this week of an independent panel to look into the handling of the war. That panel fell short of calls for the government to establish a judicial commission with the authority to dismiss top officials.