Mazuz backs Lebanon war panel's decision not to warn individuals

Attorney General Menachem Mazuz said Monday he supports the Winograd Committee's decision not to issue advance letters of warning to individuals who may be criticized by its findings on the Second Lebanon War, and not to give those individuals the right to present their case to the committee.

Mazuz told the High Court of Justice that the committee is legally entitled not to include in its report findings regarding the performance of individuals since the committee decided to include only systemic recommendations in its final report.

Given that the panel has decided to exclude the findings on individuals' conduct, Mazuz said, it is not legally obligated to grant the individuals advance warning or the right to present their case.

"When a committee submits a report on systemic failures, which does not include personal findings or recommendations, it is absolved of the legal procedure [for individuals who could be adversely affected], even if [the individual] might think of himself as indirectly affected," the State Prosecution told the court on behalf of the Attorney General.

Mazuz presented the Court with his legal opinion, in advance of a Wednesday hearing on the Military Advocate General's Office petition against the committee's decision.