Olmert: I've no intention of resigning, will implement report conclusions
Kadima MK: Olmert must ask himself if he is able to lead government; Meretz MKs call on PM, Peretz to resign.
By Mazal Mualem, Amiram Barkat and AgenciesPrime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed Monday night that he would not resign, despite the publication of the Winograd report on the Second Lebanon War, which the accused him of "severe failures" in handling the conflict.
"It would not be correct to resign," he said in a brief televised statement from his office, "and I have no intention of resigning."
Instead, Olmert said, he would work to implement the conclusions of the report, calling a special cabinet session for Wednesday to begin the work.
"This is a serious and difficult report. There were mistakes by the decision-makers, we need to start to fix the shortcomings; there's much to be done," he said.
"The presentation of the report opens a new chapter of fixing mistakes and learning lessons," he went on.
"This evening, I am thinking of the families who lost their loved ones, I am thinking of the wounded and the suffering they have endured. I am thinking of [captured soldiers] Udi [Goldwasser] and Eldad [Regev] and Gilad [Shalit] like all of the nation of Israel. I believe that we have to return them home quickly."
Olmert concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Winograd panel and its members.
On Monday evening, Olmert also told cabinet ministers from his Kadima party that he has no intention of resigning.
"It is right to state as clearly as possible: The report lists difficulties, failures and mistakes by all the leaders, including the prime minister," Cabinet Secretary Israel Maimon told Israel Radio ahead of the meeting. "The question is what do we do now." He also maintained that Olmert would not quit.
Responding to the report, Likud MK Yisrael Katz called on the current leadership to resign, saying that Likud chairman and opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu would be a better choice.
The partial report, covering the decision to go to war and the first six days of the conflict, was handed to Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz at 4 P.M.; the committee made its findings public at a special press conference an hour later.
The report also leveled criticism at Peretz for his lack of "knowledge or experience in military, political or governmental matters." Former IDF chief Dan Halutz drew fire for being "unprepared" and for failing to "present to the political leaders the internal debates within the IDF concerning the fit between the stated goals and the authorized modes of actions."
MK Tzachi Hanegbi (Kadima) said in response to the report that, "the prime minister must ask himself, in light of the circumstances, if he has the authority and ability to lead the government now, and if he has the power to repair the failures that were revealed. If the answer to both these questions is negative, he will have to reach his own conclusions. According to him, the Winograd report has immense weight among the public, and now it is clear that the committee did not give anyone any breaks."
Infrastructure Minister Eli Yishai of Shas said that it is imperative to implement the report rather than making it into an internal battle.
Labor MK Matan Vilnai also cautioned against infighting. "Now is not the time for political battles," he said. "The future of the political figures will be determined by the public."
But the chairman of the National Religious Party Zevulun Orlev said that the Winograd Committee did not leave Olmert any choice but to resign. MK Yuval Steinitz of Likud echoed the sentiment.
Likud MK Silvan Shalom said that, "the report contains some of the most severe charges ever pointed at a prime minister. The prime defense ministers' lack of experience was crucial, and created a situation in which decisions were made hastily and without good judgment."
Minister Eitan Cabel of Labor told Channel 2 television that the report was "harsh and lethal," and hinted that he may resign from the cabinet in light of the commission's findings.
Lawmakers from the left-wing Meretz party were united in their calls for Olmert and Peretz to resign.
"Peretz mustn't vie for leadership of the Labor party or leadership of the government," said party chairman Yossi Beilin. "Olmert mustn't wait for the demonstrations, and the calls of the bereaved families. I he has a drop of national responsibility, he will announce his resignation."
"The harsh report points to Olmert's and Peretz's unequivocal failures, following which they must both resign," said MK Ran Cohen. "Otherwise, the public will seal their fate. The responsibility for the lives that were lost is placed on anyone that did not oppose the war. It is now clear that we, who did oppose the war since the first day, were right."
Meretz faction chair Zahava Gal-On also said that "Olmert and Peretz must go home."
Several left-wing activists gathered across from the prime minister's home after the publication of the report, calling for his resignation.
"I don't understand why the public needed a war probe committee only to reinforce that which it had heard with its own ears, and seen with its own eyes during the war," said Motti Ashkenazi. "The prime minister failed a severe failure, and that is something that everyone knows. There are issues on which the public must speak its mind, and the public may have needed to be told how to act by an official source. The fact is that to date, the public hasn't taken to the streets enough. I hope that the public received confirmation today, and that it will respond more defiantly."
U.S.: Olmert 'essential'
The White House had words of support Monday for Olmert, despite stating that the U.S. does not wish to comment on internal investigations within the Israeli government.
U.S. President George W. Bush "works very closely with Prime Minister Olmert, and thinks that he's essential in working toward a two-state solution. The president remains committed to it," said spokesman Tony Snow in a response to a question about the report.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah welcomed news of the critical findings.
"The report confirmed the inability of the Israeli political and military leadership to... confront Hezbollah," said Sheik Hassan Ezzeddine, Hezbollah's most senior political officer in southern Lebanon.
He predicted that political, public and military pressure would eventually force Olmert to step down.
"Olmert will not be able to stay put in the face of pressure from the military, opposition parties and the Israeli public," he said.
Palestinian officials, however, expressed concerns that the report would undermine Olmert and likely limit his ability to push forward with peace efforts.
"We hope that this report and the findings of this report will not further complicate and hinder attempts to revive the peace process," said Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat.
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Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaking on national television from his Jerusalem office Monday night. (Channel 10) |
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...I was in fact being sarcastic. Perhaps I should have made that clearer - but I thought applying superlatives of that kind to our beloved Leader Mr. Olmert it'd be obvious :)
Olmert did not start this war and he didn't finish it. He is not to blame. Neither Olmert or Peretz has had any experience in large scale conflict strategy. Therefore the blame should go to the army that allowed young Jewish boys to get into a conflict with seasoned gorillas who for years have fought on their territory and on their terms. Why has the army been lot off Scott free?
An earthquake of the highest magnitude,couldn't budge these guys from thier seats.
Olmert is criticized for tactics and goals that were not clear. But there is no way that he could come out and say what he was trying to do: punish the entire country of Lebanon. And tactically, this worked: Hezbollah will not start with kidnappings or rocket attacks for awhile because they know that if they do, Lebanon will be reduced to rubble. So the only valid criticism I see of Olmert would be on the moral level, not the tactical one, but it does not seems that the commission cares about this at all.
except permit Terror groups on our borders to build up power and kil and kidnap our troops with impunity? Oh, right he has also managed to evict settlers and give their land over to terrorists. And he's also made Israel unique as the only country to tolerate daily rocket attacks against it, and while that may earn respect from you, it earns only contempt from the rest of the world.
Hizbollah was blown out of existence. Iran lost its investment. It would not hurt us if Israel had a bigger smash, but even so, it was big. The Judge has to devote his time to the investigation of the Iranian plots, and help all decent people to have security, Israelis, Lebanese, Palestinians and Iranians.
The 163 dead Israelis, Udi, Eldad and Gilad, the Lebanese civilians who died are a tragedy, a high cost for "learning lessons" as Olmert describes it. Israel is not a flight simulator, but a real country with real people confronting very dire threats. It cannot afford itself apprentices at their decision making levels. But if Olmert's resignation is a springboard for Bibi, then the whole Winograd exercise is not only futile but all the more worrying.
Olmert you are a Disgrace! Get the hell out of my country? You have accomplished more than any Terrorists has dreamed of, when it comes to weakened Israel? you and Perez are clowns and opportunistic people. Get the hell out of Israel NOW!!!!!!! If Israel doesn?t gather and request your leave, the next war (soon to come) is lost!
All you said would make sense if we were not in the sights of avowed enemies, and I'm sure that what you stated was Arik's intentions, BUT we are now living next to a Jihad terrorist entity led by Hamas. The advisors are Al Queda, and Hizbollah. The weapons are supplied through a border that we no longer monitor properly. The stupidity of this decision of weakness cost us if not directly, at least indirectly a war in Lebanon, and rockets fired daily closer to our towns. If you think this is intelligent nation saving strategy, please don't take over Olmert's job.
he supported the gaza athnic cleansing of jews. he must be impeached.
Dont close your door on the way out.
Question: And why not?
It's time to tell Olmert and almost everyone who has ever stepped foot in the "mental institution' called the Knesset that the country belongs the people of Israel, not the politicians. If Olmert does not resign now we are setting ourselves up to be enslaved to their corruption and weakness forever. They did the whole country wrong, and they must pay the price.
I am astounded by the negative and uncharitable comments regarding Mr. Olmert. This is a man of vision, courage and common sense who has done more for Israel than any other leader since the foundation of the state. Conviction and inner strength without either bigotry or fanaticism; loyalty and honesty without narrow-mindedness or ever wavering from a considered and justifiable path - these qualities sum up a man who is as bold as he is prudent, is equal and reasonably measure. Opinion polls? What rubbish. What Israel needs is exactly what we have - a proud and dignified leader who does what is right, regardless of the little people yapping and biting around his ankles.
While I agree that Olmert has failed Israel both during the war and subsequently, his furthering of Sharon's wiley policies has been unappreciated. At the time of convergence I thought it a betrayal of the settler enterprise. Last night it dawned on me. Evacuating Gazan settlements freed up a multitude of Israel's limited soldiers. This proved beneficial because most terror in Israel emanates in the West Bank rather than Gaza. The border with Gaza is smaller and fenced. The convergence combined with a truce that only applies to the strip allows Israel to focus all of its military might on preventing infiltrations from the West Bank. This explains the reduction in terror and Sharon's inexplicable change of heart towards settlers. Bottom line, long live the policies of Arik King of Israel. So, even though Olmert is terrible, atleast he's continued this brilliant strategy.
'Olmert: I've no intention of resigning, will implement report conclusions'
who'll praise 2 States desastrous solution , who'll praise 2003 US Road Map blunder , who'll praise 2002 Saudia plot , who'll be against and speak incendiary words against Israeli citizens of Jewish Judea and Jewish Samaria , who'll be against against Jewish settlers and jewish settlements in line with UBL political Islam , Who'll be the next PM who'll be a US "model" puppet , who'll be the next PM who'll be a caliphated Islamised Leftist, who'll be the next PM who'll praise a change of Zion national Symbols , who'll praise arabs 'Vision' document , who'll exempt arab MK from oath of allegiance to the Zionist State, who'll fit for arab MK an insignificant formal fabricated allegiance to Israel caliphated parliament and will have the choice to quit the State after treason but will still receive his MK salary and become a well paid commentator on caliphated Al Jazeera or Hezbollah Al Manar , who'll be the next PM who'll be for Al Aqsa and against Jewish Temple mount , Who'll say jesus or allah is great and be against Judaism ,
Who knows if failures such as Israel is now experienceing with her Government will not play a big part in waking its people up to the fact that if they are not careful their Homeland will be taken away from under their feet.
Hey, I like riding in a limo, doing dirty deals and meeting foreign politicans. I should give this up just because I screwed up a war? Come on, we all mess up. I like this office and you'll have to drag me from it.
Hi, The problem from what I can see is that Israel's political problem goes beyond Olmert. It's at some level a systemic problem. If Olmert goes Netanyahu will likely win ellection, and he also is a politician that is washed up. Perhaps though he would be some small improvement.
to investigate findings of committee to investigate findings of committee to investigate findings of committee to investigate findings of committee to investigate findings of committee ... ... ... ... When is enough, enough ?
The appeasers weakened Israel to the extent that Nasrallah was justifiably stunned at Israel's reaction - the BS "containment strategy" did not contain Nasrallah - his next step would have been the kidnapping of Israeli civilians. The real problem was the IDF's atrophication and weakness among Olmert and Company.
I am not a fan of Ehud Olmert and will be happy to see him resign, but I think that this criticism is missing the point. Olmert was absolutely correct to approve the decision to attack Hezbollah. No free country can tolerate missle attacks upon its citizens. His fault was in sending in too few ground troops to late and in stopping the war before the IDF had time to finish off Hezbollah.For this and many other reasons he has to go.
OLMERT SAID "It would not be correct to resign," he said in a brief televised statement from his office, "and I have no intention of resigning" GUESS WHAT THAT STATEMENT ALONE SHOWS OLMERT NEEDS TO RESIGN NOW. HE IS OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY. WHEN THE REPORT BLAMES OLMERT FOR THE FAILURES, WHEN YOUR APPROVAL RATING GOES ANY LOWER IT WILL BE A NEGATIVE -1% THIS MEANS ITS TIME FOR OLMERT TO RESIGN. SOMEONE NEEDS TO EXPLAIN THAT TO OLMERT, PERETZ, LIVINI. LIKUD MK YISRAEL KATZ CALLED ON OLMERT TO RESIGN AND BENJAMIN NETANYAHU AS THE CORRECT AND BETTER CHOICE TO TAKE OVER ASAP AS ISRAELI PM. SADLY SOMEONE NEEDS TO GO IN AND TELL OLMERT ITS OVER. HE CANNOT LEAD AND SADLY ITS TIME FOR HIM TO GO INTO HISTORY AS THE WORST PM ISRAELI EVER HAD. WHAT IS SAD AND SHOWS JUST HOW OUT OF TOUCH OLMERT IS. IS HE IS NOT ABLE TO READ THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL EVEN THO ITS IN HIS FACE. THE ISRAELI PEOPLE DON'T WANT HIM ANYMORE THE OLMERT ERA IS OVER.
OLMERT SAID "It would not be correct to resign," he said in a brief televised statement from his office, "and I have no intention of resigning" GUESS WHAT THAT STATEMENT ALONE SHOWS OLMERT NEEDS TO RESIGN NOW. HE IS OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY. WHEN THE REPORT BLAMES OLMERT FOR THE FAILURES, WHEN YOUR APPROVAL RATING GOES ANY LOWER IT WILL BE A NEGATIVE -1% THIS MEANS ITS TIME FOR OLMERT TO RESIGN. SOMEONE NEEDS TO EXPLAIN THAT TO OLMERT, PERETZ, LIVINI. LIKUD MK YISRAEL KATZ CALLED ON OLMERT TO RESIGN AND BENJAMIN NETANYAHU AS THE CORRECT AND BETTER CHOICE TO TAKE OVER ASAP AS ISRAELI PM. SADLY SOMEONE NEEDS TO GO IN AND TELL OLMERT ITS OVER. HE CANNOT LEAD AND SADLY ITS TIME FOR HIM TO GO INTO HISTORY AS THE WORST PM ISRAELI EVER HAD. WHAT IS SAD AND SHOWS JUST HOW OUT OF TOUCH OLMERT IS. IS HE IS NOT ABLE TO READ THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL EVEN THO ITS IN HIS FACE. THE ISRAELI PEOPLE DON'T WANT HIM ANYMORE THE OLMERT ERA IS OVER.
Last Summer I came and join the Reserve brigades, I left New York, to help punish Hezbollah and bring back our hostage fellow Golani reserve boys. I also started the first Milouim walk from the castle (Jerusalem) to Olmert's offices. But Israel (its people) were slow to react, if you were from Tel Aviv you didn't feel the War if you were from Haifa and the north you were too busy repairing the damages. NOW ISRALE IT IS TIME FOR A REVOLUTION. GO TO THE STREETS AND HAVE OLMERT RESIGN~!!!!!! If you don't you will pay the price of a corrupted democracy, and perhaps have no leadership in the next WAR!!!! Please brothers and sisters; it is time to fight this corrupted incompetent government! Democratically we are allowed to pick in the streets and protest do SO now. If you don't Israel I will not come back fight for you... you do not deserve the sacrifice of our reserve troops! Sunny
I don't like telling the Israelis how to run their country, but how can any PM govern when only about 1 in 50 Israelis support him? Still, I do find Netanyahu to be a man of little imagination. Israel needs a new choice.
Kadima. Forward. Straight to hell these opportunist rats, every one of them, have lead us. Save the party? Ha! Save what? Unilateralism? Branding? What monumental hutzpah to still be thinking about political "timing" and damage control! The people are crying out, and they will not wait for the next "installment" of Winograd or Lindenstrauss. These delirious freaks must be ejected from their positions and removed from the levers of power. Olmert, Peretz, Livni -- you are yesterday's news already. It is time to turn the page. "Drink up dreamers, you're running dry!" -- Peter Gabriel, 'Here Comes the Flood'
What great news for the enemies of Israel. The country will allow you to continue to build up your war-making abilities and not take steps for its self-defence due to its weak and self-interested leaders who wish to preserve their political lives at any cost. What commission will be formed when Israel finally has no choice but to go into Gaza to clean it out of terrorists and we see how many lives could have been saved if done earlier as the millitary said it should? A total disgrace.
Olmert with 2 % approval rating, With a failed policy, with new investigations of your behavior and business dealings, The correct answer is it's time for you to resign. You and your party has hurt Israel more then any Arab country could. Your policys have been a total failure to the point even the Arab leaders see you as weak. Its time for Benjamin Netanyahu to take over and lead Israel out of this mess you have created. OLMERT RESIGN NOW