Last update - 00:00 05/10/2006
Winograd Committee begins war probe by questioning MI chief
By Nir Hasson
The Winograd Committee officially began its investigation into the conduct of the Lebanon War by hearing testimony on Wednesday from Major General Amos Yadlin, head of Military Intelligence.
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is expected to testify before the committee, which is investigating both the government and the defense establishment, Thursday.
Yadlin was the first witness to testify before the committee in its official office, located at the Israel Institute of Petroleum and Energy in Ramat Aviv. He arrived carrying a large suitcase of documents, and the meeting, which was closed to the public for security reasons, lasted three hours.
The Military Intelligence chief gave the committee an overview of the intelligence available to the Israel Defense Forces on Hezbollah's arming and military preparations.
He was also asked about the intelligence presented to senior IDF commanders during the fighting.
Livni's testimony today will also be closed to the public. She will discuss the Foreign Ministry's conduct during the war and the efforts to achieve a cease-fire.