Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Dan Halutz told Army Radio yesterday morning that some of those conducting internal IDF inquiries into the second Lebanon war had confused their mandate (to examine the functioning of the army) with that of a commission of inquiry.

"Unfortunately some of the people believe the probe is a commission of inquiry and are looking for someone to blame," said Halutz. "That isn't correct. Probes are intended first and foremost for learning."

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In addition, Halutz stressed that he does not intend to acquire legal counsel in advance of the findings being published. "I will not retain lawyers to contend with the people of Israel," he said.

The IDF chief also blamed cuts in the army's budget for some of the shortcomings during the war.

Findings expected within week

The remaining internal probe findings on the second Lebanon war are expected to be presented to the General Staff by the end of December, and will be presented to senior IDF officers ranked colonel or higher in the beginning of January.

There was been widespread speculation that Halutz will resign from his post, either following the release of the internal IDF probe findings, or following the publication of the Winograd Committee's findings in early February.