OPINION: Olmert cannot remain in the prime minister's office

Golda Meir, at the end of her interview with Oriana Fallaci, says in response to the question "have you ever killed anyone": "No... I've learned to shoot, of course, but I've never happened to kill anyone. I don't say it as a consolation ? there's no difference between killing and making decisions by which you send others to kill. It's exactly the same thing. And maybe it's worse." Why do you pass over, in silence, the Lebanese writer Kahlil Gibran? Do you reject Chomsky a priori?

I have always been a great Netanyahu supporter. But please enlighten me; what are the mistakes you mentioned he made in the past? Mary

This will all end in crying .

Some pretty hateful and disturbing responses coming up - such as the"false witness" response on the Shoah - only relegitimizes with urgency the need and historical right for a Jewish homeland.

You mention Olmert should go and join his sons abroad. Could he also take his wife and daughter with him.

Surely you are talking about the Lebanese economic downturn.

Yes you can win a guerilla war. The Malaysians are the best anti-guerilla forces in the world,and that is why they are invited to the new UN buffer zone with the turks. The tactics and skills of Malaysian commandos are legends in military annals.However the malays are all muslims and being in Lebanon -- if they decide to clandestinely train Hizbullah the world's no.1 guerilla network Israel has already lost the next round.

Israel needs Olmert as PM, like the USA needs George Bush!

Allah-u-Akbar!

Prime Minister Olmert predictably failed Israel and the world by pre-maturely ending the war with hesballah. By retreating, he once again emboldend the enemy and will unfortunatly encourage even greater attacks agains Israel. I cannot understand why he is so weak in the face of certain renewed terrorist aggression. He must know that the terrorist only want to destroy Israel. He furthur knows that you cannot negoiate with them. (refer to the Gaza pullout) He also knows that the only way to bring peace is to destroy them!!!! I am sick and tird of excuses from Israeli officials that say "America is pressuring us". President Bush wants Olmert and Israel to destroy Hesbullah. He said it many times. The blood of all the Israelis killed this time is the sole responsibility of Olmert. He should be ousted and Israelies should finally elect someone who cares more about the future of Israel then himself.

Perhaps if you have a bigger picture of what the whole world is dealing with, you would understand that as far as most Americans in the US are concerned - Israeli's are hero's, the IDF are hero's, and Olmert are hero's. It seems extremely naive to expect total annihilation of Hezbolla in a months time considering their tactics of hiding among women and children, playing with the media, training for 6 years, burying missels and ammo under hospitals and schools and shelters.... we have been fighting a similar situation in Iraq. Don't you understand that this wasn't about Hezbolla or Lebanon but about the larger threats of Iran and Syria.... Bravo I say to PM Olmert, the the brave IDF and to all Israeli's even those of you too shortsighted to see the larger picture

Yu got it, there is no reason to release a bunch of terrorits, mabye they can create a buffer zone, adding to the terrorist prisoners. Hzbulah attacks on Isreal are wrong

Israel/ US/ Britain initiated this war. You can not hold people hostage by the supreme firing power and war technology, they will find a way to fight back with stones, home made weapon or any means they get. Let's surpass the rhetorics and focus on the core issues if an end to the region plight is our intent. Injustice will never last no matter how much punching power its perpetrators have.

I'm convinced its the US. Poor Olmert, the guys just a pawn in the US power game..totally dispensable. Of course Bush copped A BLOODY nose too. The war cemented the belief that US is not to be trusted...but of course Hezbullah the overall victor...Israel's got plenty of cleaning up to do, any credibility left b4 the war is now totally gone...

You are completly mistaken. Nobody is even suggesting to make peace with Hezbollah. What can be suggested is putting an end to the situation which gave birth to this gang of fanatical savages and keep nurishing it - by making peace with Syria.

You are completly mistaken. Nobody is even suggesting to make peace with Hezbollah. What is suggested is putting an end to the situation which gave birth to this gang of fanatical savages and keep nurishing it, by making peace with Syria.

Mister Prime Minister, I told you this war is unwinnable. You should have listen. Too bad you didn't. So many deads and so much destruction, for nothing.

MR.OLMERT, PLEASE LISTEN,YOU NEED TO QUIT-NOW!! IT WOULD BE THE BRAVE AND RIGHT THING TO DO. $5 BILLION DOLLARS WASTED, 120 ISRAELIS DEAD, YOU ARE NOT A MILITARY MAN. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO PLAY POLITICS WITH THE MILITARY. THE DAMAGE YOU HAVE CAUSED IS S-E-V-E-R-E. THIS IS extremely selfish TO PLAY WITH PEOPLES LIVES LIKE THIS. YOU FAILED, NOW BE FAIR, YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE, DO ISRAEL A FAVOR, GET YOUR CHECK AND TAKE A WALK.

Olmert Smolmert, you guys have been looking for your own Adolf for the last 60 years, somebody to get those ol' gas chambers running again and bingo no more Palestinians! Apartheid Israel complete. Now you got your asses kicked by the glorious freedom fighters of Hizbollah. IOF myth of tough guy Jewish GI is lying in the ashes with Lebanon's dead children. When Americans wake up, pull the financial plug and send back their neo-cohen traitors to Israel you people better have grasped the notion of peace with your neighbors and respect for human life. After your wanton carnage in Lebanon you are hated throughout the world as the 10 ton gorilla loser. Aushwitz Shoah business won't be an excuse for Israeli depravity any longer. Peace if you understand the concept. T Dillon

I agree yet perhaps a cease fire will give the Israeli's time to chose a decisive leader with a zeal and passion for peace through a resounding defeat of the Islamic/Muslim madness - it will be the only bridge to a lasting peace for the entire neighborhood.

Stephen Have you nothing better to do,then to come here and be objectionable? You are not a Jew,you are not an Arab,you are not an Israeli. What about your wify eh?What does she think of your shannanigans,unless she left you in disgust! Perhaps you are so hurt"poor you",I feel very sorry for the lady,who has to put up with a demented man like you. You live in Holland,just try and write to any talkbacks there and leave ours alone. Additionally I'll put you top of the list for discriminatory language and have you arrested pronto.This is very first time I decided to read a post of yours,and Iunderstand why many people here detest your arrogance and biased views. Stephen go *Hell* and stay there...

(continued) Hezbollah has stored weapons in mosques, causing them to lose their protected status, and has lost the right to complain about mosques being destroyed. Hezbollah has taken over hospitals and fired rockets from them, causing them also to become legitimate military targets. And yes, Hezbollah has been caught firing rockets from civilian apartment buildings and neighborhoods, causing the deaths of women and children. The blame for these "1000s of civilians" and "children" is squarely on the head of Hezbollah. And in not pointing this out in every news story, the media is complicit in Hezbollah's propaganda war, and could be said to be complicit in Hezbollah's other actions. Enough faux outrage over the deaths of Lebanese children provoked by the very "defender" of Lebanon, Hezbollah!

As an American who has always supported Israel in its fight against all that would destroy it - I am deeply troubled. Olmert has not only failed Israel, but he has failed your biggest ally and supporter - the U.S. We are really the only two nations in the world truly fighting the world war against fascist radical Islamist. When the U.S. fails in that fight, we fail the people of Israel. When Israel fails, it likewise fails its brother in arms - the American people. For the sake of both of our countries future, throw out Olmert and all others that cower from the battle - and renew the fight against our collective enemy.

There can only be peace when both sides want it. Unfortunately, the record is very clear that Hezbollah will not accept peace as long as there is a nation of Israel. Since Israel does not find its destruction an acceptable option, there will be conflict. Ceasefires only keep it simmering under the surface. That might be fine if they were total ceasefires, but somehow it never happens that way. The action of sneaking across the border and kidnapping enemy soldiers is either a crime or an act of war. When Hezbollah did it years ago, terrorizing and killing a man and two young children, Israel treated it as a crime. Now Hezbollah does it to two soldiers, and demands the release of the criminal who did it to children. In addition, Hezbollah fires rockets across the border on a daily basis. This is also clearly an act of war. (continued)

After Hariri's murder we were blind and going to your obgectives but after this dummy war you lost every thing... Thank you lebanese politics

It is amazing how you israeli people think of war as a game that must be won ! you have to realize that " war is war... " and everybody ingaged is a looser ! there is the loss of life and property for all involved . But there is one thing that realy makes the difference and that is if you are the oppressor & the occupier of a nation's people and land you will definitly be the big looser regardless of how long it takes ; decades or centuries ? There is something is called " God's Law " in which the oppressor will be the big looser regardless of how powerfull! and the oppressed will be the victorious regardless of how weak !

I am surprised at the content of this artical in Haaretz" who is generally part of the problem enabeling and supporting terrorists. Good Job Haaretz, not that I believe for one moment that the format of your paper has changed you are still a bunch of left wing nut jobs who are doing the Jewish state no favoure,and give aid and comfort to our enemies. but you got this one right!!

i wouldnt trust a combover to get anything done. they are the kinds of guys that are "covering" something, their own little tails, they dont care about anyone. thats why they are combovers. those poor captured soldiers are probably never going to be coming back. typical

Olmert, take a walk pal. U cant handle this job. You're not prime minister material, you failed. You cannot lead, you flim flam, and dont project strength and your face looks weak. Sorry to hit you so hard, but you're bothering me with the loss of life. Get a haircut.

beirut was destroyed so many times by you! so many times! and everytime we rebuild it again. even before hizbullah existed!! (it existed after that actually!) how many times lebanon invaded israel? and you talk as if you are the victims!!god!!what about our civilians? they are worth nothing? i know that according to your holy book: a jewuish is worth 100 arabs..!no comment!!

A few days ago I thought Ari Shavit was wrong to criticize the Prime Minister when military operations are going on. They are still going on, and the terrible losses of yesterday are , G-d forbid, likely to be added to by losses today. In the meantime however we learn that the 'deal' which has been made does not include the release of the two soldiers we went to war to release. This is an breaking of a major commitment and promise by the Prime Minister and Defense Minister. We supposedly went to war to free these prisoners.

There should be national strike orf all non-essential services, until the Knesset sets new elections!

and of course justice lovers (since there is no peace without justice),i send you a lebanese flower.. and I am hoping that you will take over

BUT SOLDIERS CAN KILL MORE CIVILIANS... WHAT A RELIGION!!

I feel sorry for Lebanon and Israel, Bush wanted to test the water before he makes another stupid decision/war in the Middle East (Attacking either Syria or Iran) by experimenting one of the smallest arms that they have in the region (HezboAlla). And who best to use as a frontliner than the poor Israeli army...(4th strongest army in the world). G.Bush can now go back to Texas and run after the cows in his fields before he does more thinking about another more stupid ( i meant smarter) decision on how to trigger another war in the world. I would suggest he focuses on N.Korea instead, that would be so much fun for him as it is 100% confirmed that they developed Nuclear weapons. or it always has to be in Islamic state that he needs to attack!!!! fruits for thought...

Worst PM, worst Defense.Min and worst Ramatcal we ever had.

There are two winners in this war: the steadfast people of Israel and their brave citizen soldiers. There is one loser in this war: the political-military hierarchy. The people have shown an amazing unified front against an enemy that has been out to murder them in large numbers. The average soldier, including the reservists, have shown uncommon bravery under harsh conditions and lack of effective leadership. Most tragically, neither the political leadership, nor the military leadership has been worthy of the trust of the people. Neither has shown the care and qualities of leadership that the great nation of Israel is entitled to. The military's greatest failure has been the inability to anticipate and size up the enemy. The political leadership has simply failed to lead, at a time when its leadership was most needed. All have shown egocentrism and a singular lack of vision.

nothing else to say.

The Olmert government must fall. The war was handled totally ineptly. The typical person on the street could have done a better job. Israel is now much weaker than ever. It has lost its deterrent perception. Olmert's dithering showed absolute weakness. He is good for the cocktail circuit and nothing else.

Well said! I hope you are right. But he should not only leave the office, he should hide for the rest of his life

No way, we love him where he is. But now that I have your attention, the biggest failure of Israel in this war is that their vulnerability has been revealed, and that for the third time. Olmert did not have to go far in history to realize that he could not win against the determination and the unity of the Lebanese people, based on pride and honor, no matter what side of Nasrallah they are on. He just had to go back a few years back to 1982, 1996, and 2000 to realize that his high-tech military machine can defeat armies, but it cannot defeat unified nations. Now that Israel's vulnerability is exposed to the world, I think Israel has only one way out: the implementation of all UN resolutions including 242 and 338, the return of the Palestinian refugees, & returning East Jerusalem as the capital of the of Palestine. Otherwise, it will be your kids (and mine) who will witness defeats (and victories). Israel is not the stongest, but maybe it could be the smartest.

the united states. when they are attacked look at how they respond. since 9/11 america has been free of terror attacks and acts of war. this is because of their response. on the other hand look at israel. they've been attacked from all sides since it became a state. recently what has been their response? appeasement, giving away its land, evicting its citizens. and this "war" with lebanon. laser guided air strikes? how pathetic! this is no war. they have to go in there and lay waste to the country including the "lebanese goverment" or hezbollah (they are all one in the same) and set up a new government like america has done in afghanistan. israel will lose if they continue this conflict with "laser guided bombs" and a ground invasion will cause 1000's of israeli soldiers casualties. i feel sorry for the citizens of israel. if they fall victim to terror, the israeli government responds with free land. olmert and his government are telling the israeli people that their blood is for free

And the whole world saw the evil Satanic face behind it. I am now absolutely convinced this is the beginning of the end of this failed colonial racist landgrab "experiment". You people need to start learning a foreign language, change your family names and start again to find a decent law-abiding society in which to live. The internet is allowing the truth to come about regarding WWII, the origins of Zionism, the true facts behind "the" holocaust and how you've manipulated and "borne false witness" about those events for profit over the last 50 years, and about how you people treat your neighbours. It's over. This one month's debacle is the little snowball that has started rolling down the hill. The more you spin it, the faster it rolls. And gathers mass. Until an avalanche buries you. I give Israel no more than 20 years before a ONE STATE solution is IMPOSED on you. And it won't be called Israel either.

It is justification for rebuilding essential infrastructure every 10 years. Hope you enjoy your new bridges, roads, power stations and airport. You will just have to wait a bit and they will be rebuilt again. And of course if you don't get rid of Hezbolla than you will get even newer infrastructure in another 15 years.

Most Americans and Israelis are too stupid to realize that the delusional "Christian" Zionists (Falwell, Robertson, Hagee, et al) loved this stupid war so much because to them, it means that Armageddon is near, the Antichrist has been born, the "Rapture" is at hand, and all the other various psychoses they exhibit. Also, I just want to be among those who point out that Israel learned quite a lot from the Nazis.

Blame the Generals. Blame the IDF Blame Israel The bit off more then they can chew. Blame Hezbollah they are stronger they Israel thought. Blame Bush look at Iraq. Stop blaming one man.

Do the citizens of Israel truly believe that they can kill and injure innocent civilians by the 1000s and expect peace. I read these posts that say lebanon doesn't want peace because this and because of that, this is all rubbish. Israel needs to understand that the arabs have hit rock bottom and the only way for them is up. Any small victory and this is a big one by the arabs is going provide them with additional ambition and self confidence. Beating people into obedience doesn't give you security, its giving them a settlement that they can feel good about that can bring security to Israel. My parents were kicked out of Yafa in 1948 and haven't been able to visit palestine. Instead jews are brought from all over the world and settle there while I cant go. zionism has hijacked the core of Jewish Identity. It is the basis with which Isreal's lack of security perpetuates. This arrogant, semifascistic ideology must change.Jews and arabs must live together as equals or both will perish.

I'm a BIG supporter of Israel but I fear for the worst. Why did you choose this government? This is the worst result we could imagine, I think even worse then we could imagine when the soldiers were kidnapped. Go to a war, and then 3 times declare a seize fire and wait for Hezbollah to regroup. I would say Olmert and possible Peretz caused 40-80 Israeli soldiers death by mismanaging the war. The worst is yet to come though with UN on the border while Hezbollah will get more arms then we dare think of. It will be a nightmare next time. This is existential. Israel wake up!! You have nowhere to flee.

After defeat, Everybody turns around looking for a scapegoat, someone to blame...SOMEONE ELSE! Blame yourself for supporting this cabinet, blame yourself for supporting a children-killing IDF, blame yourself for destroying a whole country for 2 kidnapped soldiers. Instead of pointing fingers, change there direction and point them to yourselves. GOD is JUST.

Israel had to copy the incompedence of the U.SRe: Irak? our leathers of past(may they rest in peace) must be turning in their graves! I am also an israeli citizen, have three sabra grandsons, and i see in the face of every tired israeli solger the faces of my grandchildren. I hope the people of israel will get rid of it's incompetent, inexperianced leadership ASAP

form my point of you dont get yourself be so colst to georg B because u will be like him. look at tony what happen to him . he is a follower and so does tuksin the executor. during george B reign as a president he create more enemy instead of friend. so many innocent american soldiers were lost for his sake. any way he is a real cowboy.we cannot blem George B. for all this because its the american people who wants him. there will be no peace in this world if the american choose the same in the next ecection.

1973=2006 Agranat Commission=TBD Commission (We can bet it won?t be called the Ramon Commission) David Alazar=Dan Halutz (Guilty) Eli Zeira, Aryeh Shalev, Shmuel Gonen= Amos Yadlin, Meir Dagan, Moshe Kaplinsky, Udi Adam (Guilty) Moshe Dayan=Amir Peretz (Squeaky Clean) Yigal Allon=Tzipi Livni (Squeaky Clean) Golda Meir=Ehud Olmert (Squeaky Clean) Then:According to the Report: "As long as political leaders accepts the opinions of their advisers, they do not bear any personal responsibility." Now: Nothing New.

What about the generals? They failed also!

The only good that can come from this war is if Israel turns from war to talking and truly develops the desire to negotiate a just peace with its' enemies. That means among other things abandoning all the "settlements" in the West Bank, removing the security wall to the 1967 borders and ceasing all violence towards the Palestinians.

Agree with almost everything Ari Shavit writes-always. The problem is there is more to Israel's failure than electing a mediocre party-hack to be Prime Minister. Why do we have no answer to anti-tank missiles? 33 years ago in the Yom Kippur War we had exactly the same problem. Where is the IDF Research? Where is Israel's much-vaunted hi-tech? The IDF is FAT and its Tel Aviv based leadership incompetent.(Why has the 'Kirya' never been transferred to the Negev - is it because the Generals are too enamoured of the social scene?) Thanks to our junior officers. Shavit needs to address the general corruption from the top down; that will defeat us - not our enemies. Our political and military leadership needs to take the honorable way out and - at the least - resign!!

To answer your question Jaime, reactive armor truly was good against RPGs, no doubt. However, in the battle areas of Lebanon, which are a lot more constricted, Israeli tanks work much closer with infantry. If a reactive tile is hit by a projectile and fly out, it might well kill grunts around the tank. Another effective armor against RPGs or any other shaped charge weapon is slat armor, which basically looks like a cage around a certain area of the vehicle. Secondly, there are RPGs with tandem dual warheads that are meant to go through explosive reactive armor PLUS what is behind it. These are very sufficient, a prominent example of what the Hezbollah is supplied with, such as the RPG-29. Furthermore, Hizballah is also equipped with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) which are often mislabeled as RPGs when they are a wholly different and more powerful animals all on their own. The European Milan, American TOW, and Russian Metis are quite plentiful among Hizballah ranks.

America will back Israel period. It is not dependent on world census, or opinion poll, or media influence. You are a sovereign country and have the inheritant right to pursue your own objectives. We will back you no matter what your current government desires. I hope that Israel also back the United States and the current administration (republican) in their efforts to thwart Islamic Fascism and the War on Terror in general. We stand by you unconditionally Israel.

Olmert decided just yesterday he can move the IDF to the Litani River in less than 72 hours. If he had it before , Israel would have won this war weeks ago. EHUD doesn`t really know what he and PERETZ are doing and what they really appreciate is ZIG ZAG fashion. He is PM only because he was Sharon`s deputy. But now Israel needs a real leader, so he has to resign immediately and in the same time also Peretz.

Amen! Israel has to have new leadership. Israel's leadership has to have a can do attitude. Victory-nothing else!

Dutch, it is quite possible to win a guerilla war as long as appropriate strategy and tactics are use. A war is "won" when you achieve your political objectives. Just after WW II the Philippines won a guerilla war. The British did in Malaysia. Guerillas cannot create a success without help from their enemies. I would recommend for a very sussinct discussion of classic guerilla warfare, Robert Taber, "War of the Flea." I have had a copy for many decades, it has been in print for as long. It is odd, given that Jewish Palestinians were early and innovative adopters of modern guerilla warfare, that they have in the last 40 years systematically done everything which the insurgents would wish from an opponent. The original objectives of Olmert and company were unattainable. But that was not due to Hizbollah's brilliance, rather their stupidity.

What are you talking about?

Yes Hizbulla wins .As christians of the middle east we would happily adopt Islam if it is that of Hasan nasralla and abandon christianity if it is Bush christianity. We want peace We want justice You will lose and lose if you dont give people their rights If we feel nobody listens to us all over the world then we will all turn extremists.We see facts and how you change them by your media and we feel the injustice and how the big powers play to keep it.THEN WHAT If we have nothing to lose then lose with us is the answer

If Lebanon wanted to make peace with Israel it would have disarmed Hizbullah.Lebanese people or the government are puppets of Syria and Iran your real enemy is not Israel but Syria and Iran but you of course will not consider them enemies since they are muslims.Oh by the way Lebanese according to your post 523 the lebanese held in Israeli prisoners not all but some of them are the ones who crossed border and killed Israeli civilians so in my opinion they need to stay in jail.I bet you guys or hizbullah never pressed Syria to release Lebanese prisoners ( you and I both know Syria held many lebanese prisoners illegally).but of course Syria is muslim.So please spare me your sympathy for " Lebanese prisoners in Israeli Jails" .Hizbullah calls for Israels destruction and if you support Hizbullah then I think its right to say that its you the lebanese people who dont want peace and are equally as guilty as them.

spot on...we and will be united, israeli's action od divide us did not,and will NOT work...after this evil destruction ends, we, Lebanese can & will sort out our INTERNAL affairs...WITHOUT outsiders,including Syria of course....

What is Hizballah defending about Lebanon. They got Israel to leave in 2000. Now their only purpose is to destroy Israel or take over Lebanon. Olmert and Halutz have to go and the sooner the better. Tsipi Livni is my man!

"yes maybe there are elements on the Israeli/Jewish side that are arrogant with their words but not with their actions" Either you are stupid or pretending !!! those criminal action committed by the IDF in almost daily basis in Palestine & Lebanon is an act of arrogancy and humillation of other people who has the right even more than you to live in peacefully in their land. "Israels army is trying to fight a legitimate war but the arabs insist on hiding missiles next to muslim babies" Come on , give me a break you can say that to aliens not to people who acustomed on this baloney symphony. The massacrs Qana 1 & 2 committed in Lebanon and others in Palestine is the real proofe that you intentionally targeting the civillian when you fail to win. Stop your aggression on Gaza & lebanon, You are not covered anymore, The truth is in the implementation of the UN resolutions since 1948 which give Israel the right to exist side by side with a Palestinian state based on 51% to 49%.

No Olmert cannot remain in PM's office because he does not know the art of diplomacy, a fundamental practice in realpoltik. Ideologically he stood with the US and the UK to push back Hamas. However, when the powerbrokers in the US failed to deliver the goods in Rome, it left him diplomatically isolated in a war of attrition. Now he must abide to unilateral conditions set forth in a UN cease-fire without achieving any objectives he sought.

well since ur talkin abt how we can't ask for peace when we take soldiers hostages well i say YOU CAN'T ASK FOR PEACE WHEN ISRAEL STILL HAVE LEANESE HOSTIGES !! right ?! And one more thing, if lebanon was united against Hezbollah, Israel would've been in beirut now ! One last thing ZEUS, If u consider Hezbollah terorists, we consider them a freedom fighter ... P.S. : I'm not cheit and before this war i wasn't supportive for hezbollah,... but now i see the importance of their existance in lebanon .

Why should only Olmert leave his office ? Aren't there many more dangerous and insane people in Israeli governement (Livni, Perez, Hanutz or/and many other war criminals ?) I suggest to send all of them to war criminal tribunal in Den Haag.

You cannot take a label "terrorist" and apply it all accross. You will be its prisoner and your analysis will suffer and you will not be able in the long run live with your neighbors. If your aim is make peace with the Lebanese you cannot under any pretext go ahead and destroy their. Hizbollah did not hide its amunition next to their babies. Were there rocket lanchers on the civilian vans that were carrying families in Marwaheen early in the war? Were there any rocket launchers in Qana where close to 60 people were bombed of whom there were more than 35 children? Were there rocket lanchers or anti aircrft batteries on the buildings that were destroyed in Chiyyah where 35 people many of whom were children? If you do these things it simply means you dont want to make peace with the Lebanese.

If you think there are only "animals" in the Arab countrys, please have a look at your U.S. neighbour buddys and what some of their soldiers have lately done in Iraq (raping and killing a child)......

Ari Shavit makes mistakes sometimes but he is so often on the ball that it's worth a misjudgement here and there. Not this time. He sounds like nothing less than a fundamentalist when he recounts Olmert's mistakes and then reaches the conclusion that Olmert must resign. I wonder how Shavit knows so much. His military experience? His diplomatic experience? His inborm genius? I know a few people who speak with such unequivocal words. They read charedi newspapers. Maybe Ari should consider switching and writing for Yated Ne'eman.

losers losers losers....in EVERY WAY....Militarily,Politicaly,Environmently,Internationally and very much hope Financially,the World seen your Evil destructive Bloodthirsty acts and will not forget for a very long time...

two generations built Israel into a strategic asset!!!Then Olmert came

Israel did'nt lost the war, but showed a lesson to the Arabs fanatics that Israel will not tolarate terrorism anymore. Anyway I think Israel coul do better if used a surprise attack to kill as many fanatics leaders as possible and conduct a massive ground attack sooner...

have you heard of beheadings in lebanon? you are mixed up between irak and lebanon...first, i'll not defend irak because this is the result of BUSH intelligence..regarding huzballah, i don't support them but these guys represent the whole shiaa population if i like it or not..democracy right? they never directed their weapons to civilians in lebanon, they never executed a prissoner like in "gharib prison", they never did beheadings, they never hided among civilians because these are their immediate relatives...huzballa is not "Qaida". the guys have one aim: defend their land. you just wanna label them because you envy their courage and determination. you rely on machines and you kill children, u talk here like jihadists ..go wash your bloody hands..THERE IS LOTS OF ARROGANCE BENEATH!

Israel is just playing for its blunder it did in early 2000.I say no peace with terrorists you cannot take IDF soldiers hostages and ask for peace.Hizbullah hides among civilians they place their rocket launchers next to schools and civilian areas and Israel gets blamed for bombing the sites. As for people mostly muslims saying on this forum that Israel has united Lebanon well lebanon should have been united long time ago but not against Israel but against Hizbullah.If Israel united Lebanon against Israel and not against hizbullah then I think the Lebanese are gulible and naive they dont know who their real enemy is they can close their eyes and blindly support Hizbullah for all they care they will never learn the truth.Furthermore, in my eyes they will be considered equally guilty as hizbullah.

Olmert is now showing that he can move the IDF to the Litani River in less than 48 hours. Why in heaven's name didn't he do that at the outset of the war? If he had, Israel would have won this war weeks ago. Olmert doesn't really know what he is doing nor does he know what he stands for or what he really believes in. He got into the PM's position only because he was Sharon's lapdog. But now Israel needs a real leader, not a lapdog.

Diana,yes maybe there are elements on the Israeli/Jewish side that are arrogant with their words but not with their actions (This war was intitiated solely by Hizbullah actions) A words like animal I agree is over the top. On the arab/muslim side though arrogance takes the form of beheadings,using missiles within the civilian population,suicide bombing using children to kill children in restaurants,car bombing (not only against Israel but also against other muslims)and a host of other vile acts. Israels army is trying to fight a legitimate war but the arabs insist on hiding missiles next to muslim babies,and the Lebanese while claim democratic are running away from the fight to change things.What is faux loyalty within Islam is not all all.It is hate of Israel but only until they turn their attention on each other tribe within Islam. Your idea of arrogance one way is scewed.

you should wake up and see who is the terrorist? look at your government killing kids and for what? peace? no.. if israel get the peace, it ll lose a lot of donnations, focus and you ll see the truth, look at your relatives diying in lebanon for your olmert to cool down his temperament and shows you that he cares. what a shame. the difference between you and us is that we beleive in our case while you are drawn to a battle you don't want. wake up, you have been cheated by your leaders, it is easy to do war but easier to make a peace. sorry you did not get luck this time and i advice you to not try it next.

Israel's loss is not limited to the fact that haven't been able to achieve their military objectives. Not the humiliation of their army's ego. Not the fear instilled in their population realizing after 1 month that they are not invincible. But is is more than that, it is the fact that lebanese internal politics have changed forever. All the traitor so cold orange revolution leaders Jumblat, hareeri etc have no more legitimacy with the lebanese public. What stands to come is a new election, where the lebanese government is dominated by pro-syrian forces and hisbulla no longer would have to get weapons in the dark, the governmnet will do it for them. Well done Israel, with ur arrogance you managed to strengthen lebanese anti-israeli, nationalistic, and islamic movements. Israel's loss is more political that military. Fortunately for the arabs, the fight goes on. Lebanon didn't fall under Israeli sphere of influence. You have wasted an opportunity of a lifetime.

thanks for you message israel and usa they likes contry as jordan and egypte for the real democracy is lebanon

Will the line ever end?

I have been watching watching what has been taking place in Israel about a close as I have been watching the way the US government's war on terrorism. It appears that the Israeli CEO has about as much gumption as the CEO of the US. It keeps coming back to the same thing...does one have the right to defend one's self. The answer is yes...and in the case of a soverign nation, a nation not only has that right but the obligation to secure its citizens. If Mr. Olmert is unwilling to stand for his nation he should be replaced. I just wish I could figure out how the same could be done with the Bush administration.

Ari Shavit, This was a war no modern army could have won as it was a guerilla type war and they are impossible to win. The Americans learnt this in Iraq and Vietnam. Now it's Israel's turn. So please stop scapegoating. Get off your high horse and accept the reality on the ground and push for those peace agreements instead as they will serve both peoples' needs better in the long run and say farewell to arms! Many Thanks, Dutch

... do you still think Olmert should resign? :)

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? AND after what happened recently? after you killed our children and commited genocides? unfortunately, Lebanon, as u know or as you may not know, is a democracy (the first democracy in the region). for this reason, the hatress that you planted in our hearts will be an impediment to any peace treatie. we are not jordan or egypt where there is political schizophrenia....so stop dreaming

By referring to people as "animals" shows what kind of person you are. A person who have no respect for others shall have no respect too. Look at your own mirror instead of pointing fingers. What do you call people who kill people? What do you call people who have no respect to women, children and old people? What do you call people who have no respect to other religions? Seriously know when to use the word "animal"!

NOT ISRAEL WIN IS USA WIN GEORGE BUSH ISRAEL ITS ONLY BASE FOR USA IN ISRAEL WAKE UP ARABS AND MUSLIM NOW THIS PLOT FROM BUSH ADMINISTRATION

It is not PM Olmert is the problem of Israel. The Problems come from the policies of all ISraeli Governments and the Israelis thinking of relying only in force to solve problems. The Israelis beleif in the destruction of homes and cities and in killing of civians, womens and children. They only understand the force languaje. Teach your self to think peace. Have a breake, Leave the occupied lands, stop destruction and killings.May be your problems will be solved after 1000 years.

"in the countries you live in where its ok to rape your neighbours children " only yesterday Ha'retz reported the case of a 19 year old jewish boy in Nahariya who raped his 7 year old sister. he even brought his friend to join in the fun. This is only one of many cases of incest and depravity that goes on in Israel. It is part of your culture.

Come on! Stop playing the role the arabs and the rest of the world want you to play. Israel is winning this war, and if the diplomatic front follows the path it is on now, we will have an amazing victory over a huge guerrilla, probably the strongest guerrilla the world has ever seen. Think strategically. We don't care if Nasrallah is dead. We just want an Israel living in peace. We want our kids to have a full, safe life. This process will lead to a stronger lebanon, a weak hezbollah and in a year from now a preace process with Lebanon. Israeil will secure its northern border, and will be able to deal with the PA in a better shape. We are winning! Stop spreading the world we've been defeated. We have not. You are actually bringing down the deterrence power, that in the end is all about perception.

Why do our (Bush and Olmert ie( think surrendering will bring peace. Your country needs a Hawk in office like Netanahu. Never seen anything like this. Starting a war with parameters. Only for 2 weeks. No civilian deaths.....It seems that Bush and Olmert lack leadership. This will surly embolden those cockroaches. I guess if you bang your head on the wall and it bleeds, you should keep banging because somehow you will eventually get a different result. Would of loved to see our leaders fight the 6 day war. What a joke. America and Israel are both headed for the trash heap.

This man Olmert's main job skill seems to be boot-licking. How about as a maitre'd at the U.N. cafeteria? No doubt his eagerness to please (Smigel comes to mind) would fill up his tip jar fast. Then he could donate it to the survivors of his self-serving fiasco, this "war". A great nation deserves a strong leader which I will pray for.

he is helping us very much with peretz & halutz in ending with IDF forever ,he is giving a week time to do it.loool

I wholeheartedly agree with the conclusion of this article, that the political pigmies and opportunists, who have been placed in power by a gullible and naive Israeli public, must go. Olmert and Peretz have destroyed Israel's value in the eyes of the West as a power to be depended upon. They have failed in the war. They have failed in leadership. And they have placed Israel in a very precarious strategic position vis a vis Islamofascist terror. These bums must be thrown out of office.

Please, can anybody tell me what site I can go and express my opinion without being censored?

Where are the seer's in Israel? Are they only in the Bible? What dose the Lord your God say about the war? Do the tribes of Israel go out against them? Where is the faith and strength of the religous? Dont they speak with HaShem? When HaShem was with Israel, they have destroyed armies the size of America today. I have read the whole Bible. What dose God say? Tell us Israel, where are the seer's? Are there any or just Orthodox playing religion and God dont know who you are anymore? Someone tell us, was Jesus the Messiah? Do the answers we seek come from the New Covenant?

Israel with its left wing leadership has become a lousy ally for the US. It was supposed to win the war. After 31 days and consistently overruling the millitary left wingers found a way to loose a war. Until now Israel has not lost any wars. Now Israel is hurting the US war on Islamo-nazis. Vote right wing and save yourselves. Lieberman and Netanyahu should lead Israel, not defeatist liberals.

Moe justifies the kidnapping of the two soldiers by virtue of the fact that they couldn't have been on Israeli property since such property doesn't exist. According to Moe Israel is really "occupied territory". Now this wouldn't be a problem if it was just Moe off on one of his usual ridiculous posts. This guy is a few slices short of a loaf at the best of times. The problem is that on this one he's in line with arab thinking. hizbullah declares it, hamas declares it in their charter, the PLO never took it out of their charter although Oslo called for it. Yes yes I know all the BS about how a "liberation movement" cannot actually take this out of a charter until they've achieved their goals. I'm sorry, but their goals are clear as long as they can't even alter the stated written goals. Amazing isn't it, Moe, moron that he is, actually states the arab line spot on. I suppose the honest rapist and murderer is supposed to get some kind of star from the international Left for honesty.

Olmert forgot what was the purpose of creation of Israel. The purpose was to protect Jews from prosecution and slaughter and not to become the nation with moral values above everybody else.

Give Olmert a break!! He's the first one to show any guts in a long time!! I applaud you, Mr Olmert...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK and please DO NOT GIVE IN TOMORROW to these bleeding hearts and candy asses!! If you had done what you wanted to in the first place, and not had America make you fight with one hand behind your back, this would have been all taken care of within the first week. Please don't listen to others...you're the one in charge!! Even if you gave in to this so-called "resolution", they'd still complain. So, do what's right for YOUR country and tell the rest of them to mind their business!! America could take battle lessons from you people. Go, Go, Go, and the Lord be with you!!!

The animal as I am speaks 3 languages, and is currently chairman of a medical department at the age of 33....the animal as I am refuses injustice, VIOLENCE and thrives for peace, is atheistic and not religion-victim. The animal as I am is happy to belong to different species than yours...i belong to a country where all religions live together, i have seen my city destroyed 7 times and resussitated 7 times..i have seen extremism florishing in our area since you invaded it...i tried to fight extremism by promoting education in my area... the animal that I am wants to understand the definition of terrorism ..killing civilians? you just killed 1000 civilians most of them are children...of course terrorists should go to jail....and you are already in a big jail : the jail of your ignorance to the other who lives by your side and the jail of addictive violence that u cannot stop.. yes i know you think Olmert FAILED, because for you he should have been more bloody & more "humane" right?

I agree with Sinalco..Israel, stop being so violent towards your neighbours..You have everything to gain from being just and fair..Bloodshed only shows weakness! Talking and seaking peace is a sign of maturity and strength.

the two kidnapped by hizbullah were in occupied territory (Palestine) because lebanon didn't recognize israel.and the blue line is named so and not named a border because lebanese dont recognize as a border. so i think this justifies the abduction of the 2soldiers.(haaretz plz post this)

Its too soon to tell, but if the outcome is an effective control of its border by the Lebanese government this will be one of the most successful wars ever waged by Israel. And the one with least loss of life. Remember, it took a long time until Eshkol's brilliant conduct of the six day war was appreciated.

Thanks Alex for the link! I'm sure the detractors of Averni will be all too eager to dismiss the article. But please read the article and think for yourself about its content. Not only the bits about Olmert. Also the bits about Peretz. Bot most of all the bits about the "war aims" and about the consequences.

This exercise was the correcting hand of G_d. Now what other idiot would like to give their inheritance away as Sharon did (and what happened to him?) Also the people suffer because they as a nation supported him. The answer to this dilemma is pure and simple-------It is called REPENTANCE.

Since the conflict has started, first; i realised that neigther Livni or Olmert can speak in english properly, in their statments random they were jumping from word to word expressing panic, i was trying to find out, what the hell does he or she want to say. second; Manageing this war they had done the same, `stam` random trying to do something. They failed to learn from results in the beginning, that what they decided to do is not effective at all, led to their great mistakes. Acting absolutly impotent. Dan Gillerman with his presence and speaches saved Israel`s reputition. Olmert`s preformance is rediculous. Really, what is he still doing there?

if i did not check on which website i am i would thought that i am reading a jihadist web, or christian extremist web.... all look alike good luck

Olmert is merely a sympton of Israeli decline.

You forget or just deny that the arab prosoners are criminals. You know what a criminal does? He comits an act against the law. Im sorry to burst your bubble but in civilized nations like Israel, North America, Europe if you commit a crime you go to jail. Unlike the animals in the countries you live in where its ok to rape your neighbours children in our countries you go to jail when you do that.

Please. While the abduction of Iraeli soldiers by Hezbollah is no doubt reprehensible,it is not a call to desimate an entire country.Israel has long practiced a policy of abduction and detention of Lebanese and Palestinian civilians with no repercussions, not to mention the mines they left in Lebanon from their previous occupation, the maps for which they have refused to hand over to the Lebanese govt.

During WWII , the British knew that they needed Churchill, warts and all. After the war, they quickly booted him out, because he was judged unable to lead a country finally at peace-THE PEACE HE WON, WARTS AND ALL. The same thing applies to Israel.

i Stand with Maia on his Difficult Days.

Can anyone tell me what UAV carries 9 rockets?

Olmert what happened to our captive soldiers???This Goverment walked away from them trusting thier enemies to wacth its borders, this is INSANE..... Olmert accepted a UN resolution that apparently does not call to bring our soldier home. One more time the Israeli Government and politicians put their interest before the interest of the nation and the people they were voted to protect, lead and represent. Sadly I was right after all Olmert must go...... I think that we must begin morally and physically preparing because I am sure that in seven years at the most we will be fighting a bigger enemy that will not only include Hezbollah, but world countries. Thanks to all the faithless inept politicians who care more about what the world thinks about them and about their own pockets and political careers than for the country and the people their were voted to protect and represent. I do not understand Israeli Government their politics. I do not understand their lack of resolve, loyalty and true love for its Jewish citizens and the land of Israel and our Jewish Roots. How could this be....? Pray to Hashem, pray for our soldiers pray for Kol Israel l and Eretz Israel and always remember HASHEM IS OUR ONLY FRIEND. PLEASE CONSIDER NOT TO GIVE ONE MORE DOLLAR OF YOU MONEY TO KADIMA OR THE LABOR PARTY. BE CAREFUL WITH LIKUD scrutinize them before writing them a check and lets begin forming a new political party better fit to lead Israel. Some of our Yeshiva boys should learn from DOVID Ha-Melek who fought for Israel awhile holding our beloved Torah in his Arm and deeply encrusted in his heart... Considering only helping charities that are truly and directly helping Jews. I am tired; I am disappointed and concern for the faith of Israel and Jews all over the world. Our leaders have allowed us to be set up for failure, we have been set back. Pray to Hashem, pray for our soldiers pray for Kol Israel and Eretz Israel and always remember HASHEM IS OUR ONLY FRIEND. Sad, with tears but as always with a strong faith in Hashem, As always my motto: Stand up for what is right even when is not popular.

From potential hero to actual zero. C'est la vie, mon ami.

Israel for your information is God's chosen people and He has always brought them through captivities, struggles and saved them. You would know this if you believe in God and read His Word.The Messiah Jesus is coming back. Read Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation. I believe the Jews believe the Messiah is coming back also. God always has a plan that bevere fails.

The effect of Israels failure to deliver an overwheming military victory will have serious consequencies far beyond Israels immediate borders. The global proliferation of Islamic fascism as manifested in acts of terror against the western world will take great encouragement from Israels failure IN Lebanon. Jihadists will view the outcome as a sign of what they perceive as a weakening of the Wests resolve to withstand the onslaught of Islam and the return of a global Caliphate. On a personal note the only benefit i see is to encourage me to make Aliyah sooner then later as Londonistan is no longer home for the Jews

I will applaud Olmert if he takes this step back and allows the diplomatic solution to be implemented. Violence and war will only bring more violence and war. I do however hope that the governments of Israel and Lebanon will continue after this to implement a long term lasting solution for the residents of Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon.

Olmert's failure to strike at Syria from the outset, painted a bullseye on Israel's populaton centers, and rolled out the welcoming mat to Teheran and Damascus saying, it's party time, go ahead, enjoy murdering and laying seige to our civilians, you have our guaranty, we won't lift our baby finger to do anything to you. Syria knows it can continue to provide arms, military support and political sanctuary to Hizbolah in Lebanon, for the next kidnappings, including rockets to fire over the illogical "peace"keeping force.

Well Isabeau Isabeau I?ll accept ~Erasmus, I regect totally Noam Chomsky, I accept George W.Bush, St.Augustine :very dubious, I accept ~ George Orwell, Lastly:Golda Meir?s statement. Will have to review and re-read what you say here. I have her autobiography, and can brows through...

YOU SAID IT ALL. ALL THAT POLITICAL CAPITAL WASTED, EVEN FROM THE ARAB LEAGUE. I FEEL SORRY FOR THE ISRAELIS NOW. GOD HELP AND FORGIVE OLMHERT. HE'S LIKE CLINTON & CARTER, BUT WORSE BECAUSE THE STAKES WERE SO HIGH.

If you're country is at war you need a strong leader, not this Olmert: http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Middle_East/10058161.html Let the International Community interfear and in the meantime Israel can change his PM. Olmert days are over, that's clear.

i agree with you that lebanon as a country have suffred -did not loose- the most. You can agree with me that this war costed isreal the highest price so far in any war.... After this war HA will continue as apolitical party and will bring strenght to the growing unity between the lebanese after the war the Olmert team will leave the goverment and bring weakness to the israel political scene see you in 2 years

WAW...YOU GUYS ARE SO GOOD IN PUTTING IT...A MUST FOR ISRAELI TO READ AND THINK ABOUT. I HAVE ADMIT I LOST FAITH IN ISRAEL

1000 CIVILIANS WERE MURDERED OVER A TWO YEAR INTIFADA. DO YOU KNOW WHAT OR WHEN THAT WAS? IT WAS ONLY A FEW YEARS AGO AND IT WAS PALESTINIAN SUICIDE BOMBERS BLOWING THEMSELVES UP ALL OVER ISRAEL. DEPRAVED AND PATHETIC BEYOND WORDS. ISRAELIS ARE NOT RACIST AS YOU HAVE SAID. I DARE SAY IT IS THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK.

.... for another week. Well, I am afraid, people like Mr.Peretz and Mr. Halutz are leading Israel to the brink of a rogue state..... What a pity for this beautiful land !

WELL,...IF WE CALCULATE THE AFTERMATH OF THE WAR: -HIZBALLAH REMAINING POWERFUL WITH MORE UNANIMITY ABOUT ITS EXISTENCE FROM ALL LEBANESE AND ARABS -LEBANESE VERY UNITED (ISRAEL NOT ANYMORE SUCCESSFUL IN DISMANTLING THEIR UNITY) -BEIRUT WILL BE REBUILT A LA MODERN WAY ,,,LIKE EVERY TIME -ISRAEL LOST ITS HUMANITARIAN ASPECT IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE WORLD -MORE HATERESS TO ISRAEL FROM THE SURROUNDIMNG ARAB WORLD WELL AS AN ANTI-ZIONIST, I WOULD JUST SAY LOUD: LONG LIVE OLMERT!!!

Congratulations on your article «Olmert cannot remain in the prime minister's office». I have observed this situation from a distance and was baffled at the moves of the new Israeli government. I am at least pleased to see that a lot of people in Israel see the thing as I do. Where is Israel's deterrent for the future now? Every would-be extremist terrorist will now feel attacking Israel will be easy. Olmert has played a great Chamberlain, including now bringing «Peace in our times» with those trustworthy fellows from the UN. I hope you can get a CHURCHILL soon or you will be the victims of appeasement once again! Héctor L. Torres Clavell Hormigueros, Puerto Rico

No doubt Israel didn't meet its objectives. But this notion that Hezbollah won -- their host country is wrecked, with the limitation of the damage only determined by the targets of the IDF. Plus, there's going to be 15,000 French soliders where Hezbollah once was the de-facto government. The HA social infrastructure network is totally destroyed. After HA's victory parade, how will they survive? Sure, he'll have his posters up in Cairo, but I think it may be a case where he won the battle and lost the war.

To Ms. Eckert - I am an American too who believes first in the interests of the US. The dream sold to Americans that Israel is such a 'wonder child' is just that, a dream. In reality Israel is of the same fabric as the 'terrorists' who she claims she is fighting. It is time that we stop blindly be dragged by such an arrogant and criminal society and ask ourselves the important questions: What has our 'special' relation to Israel brought us over the years? including in the current stupid war?

Hezbollah lined themselves up along Israel's border with over 12,000 rockets containing thousands of ball bearings (which are included in the rockets to rip flesh apart when they land near random civilians.) Jews are supposed to put up with this from a terrorist enemy who kept firing at them? Where is your heart and your soul? You've gone over to the dark side.

#101 you are one of the few that has a brain in this bunch

the mother is israel's vilolence and invasions/injustice, the father is the lack of education and social support that israel maintained. it seems to me that these organizations are acts of incest...by the terrorist state that beleive only in violence.

How on earth can you justify killing someone who has no intention of fighting you. There is no doubt that the government and people of Lebanon have never raised a finger against Israel since the war bagan. How then can they suffer for an "offence" supposedly commited by Hizbullah? The Isaeli army must stop killing innocent people in Beirut and face Hizbullah at the border. However, the ealier Israel learns to live in peace with her Arab neighbours the better.

Oh Israel, what have you done? Open your eyes! An abused child, left unchecked, will become an abuser himself! Can?t you see? We all wanted you to be safe. We all wanted you to thrive. But you have made Hitler your evil father. You have shown yourself as an evil fist (rather than an open heart), a monster (rather than a human), and a growing disease (rather than a flower) to the whole world. What have you done?

For over 60 yeras there are so many cease fire, and this will keep going on,,fire wil keep going on ,,to the point there will be NO ISRAEL, IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PEACE ALL OVER THE WORLD.. WE ARE LIVING IN THE ARAB WORLD FORM GULF TO COST ....NOT ISRAELI WORLD

I agree with you. Force and violence DOES NOT WORK. The problem is that this is the middle east, where egos are too big for their own good. If Israel and Arabs looked at this strategically, they might realize that killing each other is counter productive; that no one is going to go away, have they so far?? And all they are doing is creating a cycle that gets worse and worse with time. So better that we accept to be neighbours for the longterm and give up fighting. The problem is, how do you talk to fanatics at both ends that do not want peace, they want what they want and won't settle for anything else?

shavit has truly grasped the situation.we desperately need bibi.in coalition with yvette,eldar,eitam,orlev.only then will we beat arabs,islam, iran,syria&whoever else poses a global threat.time is of the essence since obviously the u.s fear of iran as a military super-power,undermining its security' is well-founded.syria meanwhile,in a 2 pronged assault will take out britain.buyer beware.

why is the blood of jews much more precious than that of other communities? israel has the right to invade other innocent peoples country and deprive them of their homes and beloved ones just to free two imprisoned soldiers while lebanese people who lost their homes and children and work don't have the right to shout for help. they are guilty as charged?!!!!!!!!!!1

Ari Shavit is 100% right but (a) how do you get Olmert etal. out of office? and (b)reality check: who should replace him? Not easy questions. No easy answers. Any takers?

the world judges by the result bro.. if one month of destroying Lebanon, and killing hundreds of civilians, did not achieve anything of destroying hizbolla. I have the chance that Iam multi-linguist (i talk hebrew and arabic), and seeing how arrogant arabs now, nothing will stop them . the checklist of Israel was not fulfilled (nothing except collateral damage). so the diaspora in the world can be behind Israel, to help the justification of the war. But justifying for loosers, is much more difficult exercice, then justifying for winners and intelligents? what to say now ? thousand of lebanese died, and hezbolla still fighting ? tell me and explain for me, how to justify it,without giving the impression that you should be a moron ! Israel lost its war, the Diaspora arranged it to appear less ugly . Next time, it wont happen. better thinking before action. peretz, should go back and sell flowers in Morocco. oups he cant anymore, lawyers are waiting for him

I just read your article regarding PM Olmert, and felt the need to respond in some way. My husband and I are Americans who have always been two of Israel's biggest fans. We have always loved and cheered on Israel for the way she has stood up for herself. Right or wrong, we view your country as the first line of defense against terrorism in the Middle East; a major ally of the U.S. in the GWOT. Following the recent attack and kidnapping of your soldiers, we thought, finally in the eyes of the world, Israel has a "legitimate" right to wage a full scale war against the terrorists; an opportunity that has been a very long time in coming. There was much relief in knowing that the mighty Israeli army would finally be unleashed and could now decimate Hezbollah and not be condemned for it. We are so saddened that the war does not appear to have gone as well as expected and agree that PM Olmert's indecisiveness to go full-bore with the war has actually diminished Israel's stature, while enhancing Hezbollah's. This sometimes "tepid" response to Hezbolla's attack couldn't have come at a worse possible time. As you know, this will only embolden the enemy. and Iran is already bold enough. My husband and I, along with many, many more Americans, will continue to pray for Israel's survival and the survival of the U.S. It is unbelievable to us that so many Westerners, especially here in the U.S., are blind to the fact that we are in the fight of our lives and for the survival of civilization. They do not understand that if we do not stand up to this ruthless enemy, and soon, life for us and those we love will be over and this world will become a real hell on earth. Israel and the United States (maybe Great Britain, although I'm not sure we can fully count on them to wage war) have the strongest military in the world. If we can't beat the terrorists, nobody can, and I fear that we are quickly running out of time. Good luck and God bless! Suzanne Eckert Tustin, California U.S.A.

I'll make it short and to the point. Olmert MUST GO!==== he is a disgrace to Israel and the Jewish people!

what? now kids has the right to wisper on the net ? honesty in politics?

If this were USA, Ehud Olmert would be the subject of an impeachment movement. Israel has it easier to remove a failed PM. This is what you get when you do not have a good general as PM. Israel never had such backing from a US administration and Olmert totally wasted it. Pres Bush even probably realizes that he wasted his time and effort, not on Israel, but on a failed PM of Israel. Unfortunately, neither he nor Israel nor its supporters had a choice as to who would be there when this debacle broke out. Olmert even wasted the support of the Arab League, which was supportive at first, until he let Hezbollah make Lebanon become a martyr. When did Israel ever have the support of the Arab League? Who could possibly permitted it to be wasted? Only Olmert, apparently. God, forgive him and God watch over Israel extra especially for now because Israel does not have a PM to watch over it and will not until Olmert is replaced. Israel is on auto-pilot for now.

Hi Shmuel, Carter is making millions of dollars from having one hour speech here and there every month. His rate is USD 100,000 for one hour speech at any conference. Olmert will get more even if he leaves his office tomorrow. those people are incompetent but being a PM for one day guarantees that you will be a billionaire in couple of years. Olmert was a good coordinator and adminstrator to other great leaders in Isreal, and that should have been his max job in the governmental ladder.

Olmart is not equipped to deal with the present crisis. We cannot agree to any cease fire that does not state that Hizballah must be disarmed.

The kidnapped soldiers have been returned safe and sound... The rockets stop hitting Israel... Hezbollah is dismantled... Lebanon is a country, free of Syrian control... Iran is not developing nuclear weapons... Hamas accepts Israel's existence... Israel is loved by the world and BBC... nothing has changed, except israel is weaker. Jews are less safe, and Olmert has been shown to be a bumbling incompetent leader, worse than Jimmy Carter!@!

""The best way to end the fight is to negotiate and vacate the occupied territory of Sheba Farms which gives Hezbollah pretext to remain armed."" Hezbollah is not only interested in Shebah Farms.It wants to destroy and dismantle Israel. What should Israel negotiate about? Who should be the first Jews to be evicted from Israel?

""Remember a few weeks ago when you tried to convince us that Hamas and Hezbollah were humane groups? Should Israelis adopt the standards of Hamas and Hezbollah and keep the Red Cross away from all their prisoners?"" No but they should adopt the standards of Hamas&Hezbollah and show the atrocities committed by them on the international media:those wounded by ball bearings spread around by exloding rockets and katyushas

Bush took out Saddam and now he has taken out "israel". That's what you get for costing daddy re-election. BUSH isn't as dumb as he looks!! (it is impossible) ha ha ha

2 soldiers are kidnapped, decided to go to war and destroy a Nation,close to a 1000 are murdered and close to 170 casualties. Lebanon and Israel are terrorized with rockets and bombs. So much damage and destruction for 2 soldiers who are still at large. The only rational approach would have been to talk to the enemy and solve the differences with or without mediators, by talking people will come to term.It is by reason and not by force is the only way that people can understand. Force will only lead to more destruction,antagonism, hate. It is time for Israel to change its attitude and its image. Hate against jews are escalating around the world. Why? because of the bullish and arrogant approach. By showing that we are strong, deep inside show a sense of weakness. Efforts must be made to change this image, so peace and harmony can come to the nation of Israel , its people and jews around the world.

(War is delightful to the inexperienced). ~Erasmus, the 16th-century scholar Where is the justice of political power if it...marches upon neighboring lands, killing thousands and pillaging the very hills? ~Kahlil Gibran Everybody's worried about stopping terrorism. Well, there's a really easy way: stop participating in it. ~Noam Chomsky Our enemies...never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we. ~George W. Bush Because I do it with one small ship, I am called a terrorist. You do it with a whole fleet and are called an emperor. ~A pirate, from St. Augustine's "City of God" Every war when it comes, or before it comes, is represented not as a war but as an act of self-defense against a homicidal maniac. ~George Orwell There's no difference between one's killing and making decisions that will send others to kill. It's exactly the same thing, or even worse. ~Golda Meir

Olmart and Peretz! Wonder how is DUMB and who is DUMBER in this Duo.

Olmert was deceived . Bush asked him to do so hoping to win the war over Iran. He didn't care alot about jewish blood all he cared about was not to lose a war against Iranian weapons. Bush must go too

As per terms of the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, both Israel and Hezbollah could have attacked each others military installations. What Hezbollah did was as per the rule of engagement. Hezbollah did not launch attack on civilians at first. It was the Israeli forces under the poor leadership of Olmert which attacked Labanese civilians and after that Hezbollah responded. The best way to end the fight is to negotiate and vacate the occupied territory of Sheba Farms which gives Hezbollah pretext to remain armed. Further, the war would not bring peace nor Israelis will be able to destroy Hezbollah, only negotiations will bring peace and as has been the case in the past, Israel has previously negotiated and released Palestinian and Labanese prisoners and in exchange got its prisoners back. One also need to think coolly, what is the use of keeping women and children in Israeli prisons. How anybody can expect peace while keeping each others prisoners in jails.

Everyone knows it! Do we need to take to the streets with banners? We have a cease-fire and an agreement to stop the guns - so Let the Election begin. Oh, and by the way: Whoever wins; forget unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank!

www.submission.org

Remember a few weeks ago when you tried to convince us that Hamas and Hezbollah were humane groups? Should Israelis adopt the standards of Hamas and Hezbollah and keep the Red Cross away from all their prisoners?

It's fashionable for the arabists to decry Olmert and Peretz, but at the end of the day who is standing and in what condition? It remains to be seen how it will play out in reality as opposed to UN resolutions. Olmert and Peretz will have "bumbled" there way to a Lebanon taking responsibility for their own border, hizbullah disarmed and north of the Litani, syria shut down as a conduit of arms from iran. An arab world, or at least those who bankroll it looking at hizbullah and iran and pointing to the devastation in lebanon. We'll know very shortly how hamas acts in gaza, what lesson did they get from all of this.

Olmert is incompetent.Like the fellow from Texas!

1- Starting a war without a plan was your first mistake. Claiming it will a short war and then ending up fighting for more than 30 days !!!!! 2- How can you claim vuctory when you have this dequilibrum in weapons? 3_ Respect yourself and have some dignity, you killed 122 soldiers, and didn't care abouth North Israel people, why ? were you ready to sacrifice them ? their blood is less expensive ???

Shavit blames Olmert but ignores the tenacity of Hezbollah fighters; he savages Olmert but forgets that Arabs have learnt how to fight a winning battle; he attacks Olmert but forgets that the supposedly invincible Israeli army should have known better. Olmert is not to be blamed: the Israeli society who still lives in the illusion that Arabs are still weak are also to be blamed. Wake up! You have won militraly campaigns against Palestinians in West Bank and Gaza because they don't have heavy weapons and support from Arab countries. If you stick to this mentality the second war will see Tel-Aviv falling to Iraqi militia gangs.

How come everyone is calling for Olmert's head now? At the beginning of the war, most of you Israelis were supporting him. Why calling for him to resign now? He has been successful on many fronts........massacring innocents civilians, increasing anti-semitism, destroying infrastructure!!! Why are you people deserting him now? Shame on you all....you wanted this war and you have it...now stop whining and bear the consequences!!!

They will use the cease fire to rebuild and strengthen their armies all over again and then attack Israel when they are stronger. " Peace" is just a ploy they use to garner their strength. Olmert is commiting the sins of the Father's by not DESTROYING AMALEK!!!!! Pray for the Son's of Yehuda and Israel!!!! YHVH watch over them and keep those safe who put their trust and faith in You!!!!

Remember in his speech at the eve of Israel?s initiation of this criminal war on Lebanon, Nasrallah told you that Olmert and Peretz will be remembered as the most ignorant leaders in Israel?s history? You should?ve listened to your ?honest? enemy that time as well! Please forgive me, but Israel looks like a madhouse. I hope that this defeat will get you to your senses (if you have any); that you, like every other nation, is vulnerable; that courage is not measured by the speed and might of an F16; that if you do not conclude, and very soon, that you must find a permanent peaceful solution to your problems with the Arabs, the morrows are going to be much bleaker than you would imagine? Please wake up before it?s too late!

Ur, You are right to much emotion without substance no historical facts to back up there arguements just blah-Blah!

How come no Arabs take any responsibility for their actions? How come you all blame Israel but none of you talk about the Lebanese deliberitely targeting Israeli civilians? What happend to honesty? Being a hypocrite will not bring you any respect. Everybody will eventually see that all you do is lie and you will lose what little credibility you have now. Please, dont place all the blame on Israel when you know that your people are doing a lot worse.

In the 1990 war an israli speak to a TV station , I don't remember which..He sad the Partiot will never protect Israel and the Scood will never...what he wantet to say was that the american weapon would not give us victory and the russian weapon would not give the arabs the same thing So why are we killing each other in proxy , this time the Israeli for the US and Hizboullah for Iran..one month of war and destruction for what...

i am not jewish, nor an israeli. however, i find the open discussion on israeli news site, ironically refreshing. i have yet to see anything close to this kind of critique of israel on usa television or media (or on most western channels)........ i am interested in debating various issues related to israel and this conflict with individuals here, in a non-emotional manner, to exchange views and increase each others' knowledge........ i have met quite a few israelis in my profession and have gotten along very well with them........and have met arabs and gotten along well with them also......

"Waiting until the regular Sunday morning government meeting to discuss the cease fire seems to me irresponsible." - Ben Gurion What are the lives of Israeli soldiers when the reputation of the Prime Minister is at stake? "We are dealing with human lives, for God`s sake!" - Ben Gurion No. Men like Ehud Olmert and George Bush consider men who are willing to die for them, expendable for the purpose of serving heir masters. "ow would you, Olmert, like to be the parent of a soldier killed in action this Saturday if the cease fire could have gone into effect earlier?" - Ben Gurion He cares no more than George Bush cares for anyone stupid enough to die for him..

Olmert has brought disgrace and shame upon the Jewish People. Who among us would have supported killing close to a 1,000 Lebanese and 100 Israelis knowing that Olmert's end plan was surrender? In retrospect the cowardly Olmert is looking like a war criminal. Had he freed Lebanon of Hizbollah, then the deaths would have been a horror but at least Lebanon would have been free. Now Olmert has killed 1,000 Lebanese and turned over Lebanon to Nasarallah. Those 15,000 troops that Lebanon is sending south under the UN resolution will be de facto under the command of Nasarallah. If this is not criminal incompetence, then nothing is. Along the way, Olmert betrayed the United States, stabbed the moderate Arab states in the back and delegitimized the State of Israel. Now it is up to us to admit that one way or another through actions or ommissions, we contributed to the villainy of Olmert and it is our duty to make amends -- if amends can be made.

Don't be so fast to judge a specially if you are omiting the facts that Olmert is a Prime minister for only five month, while for six years if no longer Hezbolah prepared for this war. Yes it was going on while our Arik was still in power , not only Hezpolah was allowed to arm itself and dig itself inn but our venerated Mosad until today have not a clue where are they. Since Bibi times the culture of cronism has pentertated the Israeli elit .Selection of Officials in politics and in the IDF top brass where based on their social connection and not on their skills or talents, now we pay for it with lifes of our sons. Go ahead if you want to go after Olmert but it is only throwing sand in the eyes of the public and getting into more trouble. The right direction to look on, in my opinion, is The Mosad. Shin Bet and all the inteligence aparatus . The IDF, who are the top brass that pulls the strings without plans,skills and inteligence.

Me too. At least Olmert tried to do something were as Sharon completely ignored Lebanon issue for 5 years. That was Sharon unmistakable ignorance. My biggest beef is with this policy of ignoring the conflict until it become urgent. Same ignorance is going on Golan front for the past 40 years. Imagine when Golan issue turns to violent conflict. Israel will face more formidable weapons compare what Hezbollah rained on Israel. Better, start negotiation with Syria and hand over the Golan and save precious innocent lives.

As a young 20 year-old man I read Leon Uris' "Exodus" and acquired a deep respect for Jewish determination, cooperation, and vision for a better future. I later read, Golda Meirs' autobiography and felt comortable that I learned a great deal about Jewish People and their quest to find a homeland. Today, my respect for Israel has taken a huge tumble in another direction. Your attack against Lebanon has left me feeling disappointed, confused, bitter and ashamed for the destruction you are causing. You are doing to other people what was done to you in the Holocaust. You are showing a face I hadn't seen previously. Your continuation of a mistaken war is turning world opionion against you. Shame on Israel.

what an inept gov't..30 days to do the job and they fail to realize importance of it by not calling up the forces needed...then they have no plan for people in north...those in tel aviv continue to go to the beach like everything is honky dory..what is wrong here?...for sure the first thing is this gov't of buffoons who have no clue. how to govern nor lead. BIBI where are you?

He entered a war he wouldn't fight...Thus, a war being fought for nothing. By entering the war he invited the murder of Israeli civillians. He then turned his back on the IDF by tying their hands and thus sent troops into unnecessary harms way. In doing all this he handed a victory to the enemy and undermined Israel's military deterent which will, without any margin of doubt, open israel to all sorts of new attacks never before imagined. His reckless misuse of office used to protect and prolong his political life exposes him for what he is. A traitor & murderer.

I disagree with the author of this article. It takes more courage to stop a war than to start one, especially if you are the stronger party. Israel must come into terms with its responsibilities. After all, the deal that was reached is fairly aquitable for all parties. Enough blood and killing on both sides !

HAMMAS READY FOR NEXT!!!!

Nixon's parting shot to the media: "At least you won't have me to kick around anymore!" Olmert's parting shot to the Israeli media: "YOU can take this job and Shavit!"

While i am not a fan of Olmert,why doesn't anyone realize he and all Israel was stabbed in the back by Rice who falsely promised a Chapter VII force w/teeth and then withdrew any diplomatic support for Israel

Kathy kathy kathy...I am in no way glorifying HizbA.. I wish Israel dealt with them more carefully and without the deliberate butchering of civilians. But I am feeling sorry for the poor Israeli soldiers and reservists who were dumped into a situation that Olmert and other so-called leaders of Israel mis-calculated its outcome. Their arrogance and stupidity totaly blinded their judgement of the consequences. I do hope someday that Israel realizes that she must respect non-jews and start following Christ's teaching in order to live in real peace with its neighbors. Acting like a bully with a big gun will not earn her peace. Children of Israel: Wake up and start respecting the Palistinian people and their rights and you will be rewarded with PEACE. Just think about it:You live in an area surrounded by non-jews, non-americans and non-Europeans.Work toward peace.Accept the Beirut accord you were offered. DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IN A STATE OF WAR FOREVER AND UNTIL DOOMSDAY?

Where is the country with NON-disappointing leaders? Toadies, stooges, panderers--very nearly all! In fact I would dearly love to learn about a leader, anywhere in the world today!

Out of curiosity I looked up Thomas's postings (## 80, 89 and 116). These showed me that Thomas - far from being a 12 year old without a sense of history - had done his homework. He is both polite and makes a good argument. Which made me wonder: what books do you read, Meg? And I don't mean the Bible.

Your prime minister did not initiated this conflict. It sound as if you have no problem with Hezbollah crossing into your nation when ever they feel like doing so. Generate what ever damage that they can, then run back to the cover of Lebanon. No ones enjoy war, and the lost of lives on all side leaves nothing but pain. Stll if you let them have the freedom to hit then run it would never stop, I can not understand how the world appears to be so blind at pointing fingers at Israel, while patting Hezbollah on the back. I just wanted to air my feelings. Freedow is never free and peace always comes with a price William Seymour

For the first, and only, time, I shall express some sympathy for Ehud Olmert. No man should find himself thrust into an office for which he is totally unprepared and unfit. Soon after finding himself in well over his head, no man should appoint his entire cabinet on the basis of where he can put his coalition members where they will be most incapable, and therefor minimize their threat to his power. And any man who's so incompetent that he does not think while making immense decisions, and then cannot accept the inevitable consequences of his actions should be put in a position where he is doomed to fail. It is still possible for Ehud Olmert to redeem himself. But he won't be able to decide to do that. For one small moment I feel sorry for him. Then I must consider those hundreds of Israelis, and thousand of Lebanese he sacrificed upon the alter of his incompetence . . . I am more sorry for them.

nothing that this gov promised has been accomplished. the security of israel is still in joaprdy as it always been. the work and effort through the years to protect israel was proven to be useless during this war. so for israel to continue to exist, they need to make peace with neighboring countries. and there is no place for fooling around.

Waiting until the regular Sunday morning government meeting to discuss the cease fire seems to me irresponsible. We are dealing with human lives, for God's sake! How would you, Olmert, like to be the parent of a soldier killed in action this Saturday if the cease fire could have gone into effect earlier? Pretending Israel is not in a rush to end this unnecessary war is the height of irresponsibility. Government ministers should have been told there might be a possibility to have the meeting on Saturday. The religious ones could have stayed in a hotel within walking distance to the meeting place. It happened before. Saving lives (Pikuach Nefesh) has priority over standard schedules.

This entire episode is embarassing. My view for the past few weeks has been that Condoleeza Rice should have just pushed through a cease fire agreement whether Ohlmert signed off on it or not. I mean there were at least 3 members of Israel's cabinet who did not wish to continue. This was embarassing. Israel has reacted decisively in past war times, but now everything is telegraphed and a vote has to be taken. Ohlmert and Peretz just have to go.

In 1940 England dumped Neville Chamberlain and hired Winston Churchill. The closest Israel has to a Churchill is Benjamin Netanyahu. His whole life has prepared him for this moment, and he will not fail you.

THANK GOD THAT BEFORE MY DEATH, I SAW THE CHILDREN OF ISHAQ AND ISMAIL KILLING EACH OTHER! EXTREMELY UNFORTUNATE. MAY GOD BESTOW PATIENCE TO BARE THE LOSS OF HUMANS. AMEN

""Hizbolah have changed the rules of the games,israel has no future in this part of the world, i advice you to find another place to live. start packing your suitcases.. u.s.a could be the ideal place for you, maybe alaska.. ifeel petty for you."" You are "petty" [learn proper english nasrallah. There is no place for Hezbollah in that part of the world and sooner or later Israel will neutralize it.People in Lebanon will realize that Jihadism is a dead end.Literally.

For Olmert to have been suckered into a conflict show the Israelis that he has no right being in the prime ministers seat. What a poorly orchestrated campaign for a nation that prides itself on it's military. He single handedly weakened Israel's military reputation and embolded it's enemies. He must resign and so must his buffon minister of defence.

Your suggestion that Hezbollah fighters read "Mein Kampf" in their bunkers is not only pitiful in its stupidity, it tells more about your narrow minded prejudice than about Hezbollah fighters.

I cannot believe what is happening. Israel thwarted by stone age men in pajamas (but with Iranian rockets and launchers). Where oh where is Netanyahu. Israel's David? George Patton believed in reincarnation and I believe he has come back as the president of Iran. John McCullough WWII veteran (ask us how to do it)

This war would not be raging today if Lebanon and it`s government had complied with the U.N resolution to disarm Hisbollah and all other amred groups. Yet they did not even try.They not only have let Hisbollah remain but have let them grow into a more powerful force.They have looked the other way when Hisbollah has made raids across the boarder.They have allowed Seria to ship weapons to them across thier land and now they have become thier human shield. Lebanon has shown where they stand.Olmert, you still have time to redeem yourself and you know your only redemption is to win this war with and un-conditional surrender or complete distruction of Hisbollah. Total victory is yours. Go get it.

WELL I DONT FEEL THAT BAD NOW I THOUGHT BUSH WAS ALL MESSED UP, OLMERT IS WORST THAN BUSH, I HOPE ISRAEL VOTES DOWN THE U.N CEASE FIRE.

I think anyone involved in this whole lebannon affair is going to be punished severly in the next election cycle when israeli's finally realize that they gave so much for this war and got nothing out of it. especially when the IDF was only days away from taking the litani and making an emphatic statement to the terrorist community. instead now all terrorists in west bank and gaza will learn and apply hezbollah tactics in trying to beat down israel. down with peretz and olmert now! time for a new tougher direction with bibi and likud returning to greatness.

There is no doubt that Israel had to do *something* after Hizbullah kidnapped those soldiers. You can't just let the bullies keep picking on you without action, or they'll just get meaner. More true in the Middle East than anywhere else in the world. Olmert had the upper hand -- Israel had been assaulted by Hizbullah. Even some Arab states were blaming Hizbullah. By mixing some loud saber-rattling with an initially *limited* military response in southern Lebanon, he would have spurred world action without drawing so much of the indignation Israel has received for the enormous damage and casualties in Lebanon, not to mention the damage and casualties in northern Israel and to the IDF. And if those tactics didn't pan out, the full military option would always have been open to him, complete with an "I told you so" to the international community. Moreover, this approach would have given him more time to plan and gain some intelligence on Hizbullah and, perhaps, its sponsors.

This is what it all boils down to!

Bush is convinced he can talk to God, and Olmert believes him.

...then you deserve the outcome you got. Only when it hurts so much that the whole country cries "GEVALT!" will you come to your senses and find a real leader instead of a professinal "job-nik" and an arrogant, self-serving politican. Olmert's real punishment is that he will have to live with the knowledge that he sent over 100 of the nations bravest and best to their deaths so that he could show the world how loud "Moishe Grois" can bark.

Thomas, you must be 12--with no sense of history. Read a book!

You should have elected BIBI. I am 63 and never thought I would see Israel lose a war. George

You let this gentleman suggest that Hezbollah fighters read Mein Kampf in their bunkers? Seems out of bounds.

This cease fire that Israel has just agreed to is a farce. 15,000 French and others under UN auspices, with no powers to use force, will be in So. Lebanon, while Hezbullah fighters will just hang out in their air conditioned fortified bunkers, watching HBO or reading Mein Kampf or whatever they do down there, waiting until Iran gives them the order to attack again. If ever Israel intends to forcibly deal with Iran (which will have to addressed by another Israeli government -- if Israel isn't nuked first --because Olmert obviously won't forcefully fight Iran), Hezbullah will spring to life at the same time, forcing Israel to fight on another front during the Iran-Israel fight. In the coming months there will be calls for Hezbullah to vacate South Lebanon. But the Olmert/Peretz government won't want to complain too much about that because to do so would expose Olmert's reckless naivete inbelieving the UN forces would forcibly expellHezbullah post-cease fire.He'llbrushitundertherug

Olmert was always just a political hack who sucked up to Sharon in a big way. He has no skills other than that. Unfortunately, he's applying those magical skills with President Bush. He has overtaken Ehud Barak in ultimate incompetence.

if all arab countries were democracies, israel wouldn't dream of one single embassy...guys, you are fighting the only and the first democracy of the middle east..don't u ask yourself why?????? i'm a semetic lebanese open-minded atheistic guy and i beleive in peace...but you guys should understand that there is no peace without justice.... you are the only country who still beleive in violence...weapons won't solve it...it won't buy the love u need to survive in the area peace justice amen

olmert is a disaster. his flip flops have cost countless lives and weakened morale in Israel.If i was a soldier in the idf - i would hold up the surrender flag- b/c after all olmert just gave in to terror. nassrallah and , iran and syria have just been handed a GREAT victory by WEAK Israeli leadership.

Olmert's rhetoric has been magnificent, almost Churchillian. Inspiring the people to win a war necessary for our very existence. What a pity that the decision making process and courage of our leaders doesn't match the courageous words.

Now everybody is blaming olmert! what more he could have done against hizbolah? what any other isralie leader would have done?Israelis should stop blaming olmert, they should start thinking of their defeat in this war and the dark future which they are going to face.Hizbolah have changed the rules of the games,israel has no future in this part of the world, i advice you to find another place to live. start packing your suitcases.. u.s.a could be the ideal place for you, maybe alaska.. ifeel petty for you.

The plan was to get hezbolla out ,this was done,many lives will be saved,anybody who wont accept this had other motives.We all assume israel has dasie bombs that could have been used,I will trade you Olmert for bush anytime

All you critics have become your worst enemies! No matter which way the gov't would go, you'd all be out there criticising. Remember the view from the PM's office bears a lot of responsibility. A shakey Lebanese gov't could bring about a strong Hizbollah representation in the next. The enemy is well trained, supplied and very well dug in and under. Losing more lives for the same solution in the end is ridiculous

If Olmert resigns tomorrow - it would be the first correct decision he will have made as Prime Minister! He besmirches the office of PM as much as Barak did. These are mid-level bureaucrats, not national leaders! Enough is enough! Get someone in there who has the backbone to finish the job, and to hell with "world opinion".

I think all of those demanding that Olmert resigns or be voted out are totally wrong.Israel has never had a politician bold enough to do what Mr. Olmert did.In short what Olmert did was the best in terms of shortening the expiry date of the Israeli state.The poor prime minister did all what he can to destroy in just 30 days all what Israel stood for in 64 years.I think this gentleman should be allowed to stay in power for another month so that he finishes what he started.

This in no way is a victory for hezbollah... Especially not on a humanitarian level... The chaos and destruction that israel has caused... it makes me shudder to even think about what we are going to have to deal with. and all you can do is sit here and complain about olmerts decision, because u want to win a WAR??!! What a sick way of thinking... None of you think about the death and destruction this has caused on both sides? Hezbollah is NOT the huge terrorist group that your govt has made it out to be... So spare me the BS that you have to take them out. At any rate, you haven't 'LOST' the war, because hezbollah is DISARMING WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT ISRAEL WANTED TO DO IN THE FIRST PLACE.. I think enough blood has been shed on both sides. its over! Be happy that your 'boys' are coming home!!!

Commander in Chief Fidel Castro is the right men for Israel he knows HOW TO SURVIVE.

"It is a mistake state thrust upon an entire region of the world" Hebrew, Judaism, Israel, Jews are Middle Eastern as is Jewish history. That means that they have as much right to be there as the arabs...actually 2000years more connection than the arabs. FYI, Palestine is a latin/roman name. The white man in USA, Canada, S.America, Australasia is a foreign imposed body who has dispossed and continues to occupy and dispossess the true native owners who often live in reservations (USA/Can/Aus that could be considered a form of apartheid). English, french, spanish and portuguese are not native tongues. You are the settler occupiers and the true owners most certainly dont have equal rights to tell you to leave. Only ignorance, arrogance and bigotry can explain your comment pasted at top of this post.

The vast majority of the voices in this forum condemning Olmert out of hand are NOT coming from Israel.

I am incredulous that Ehud Olmert would agree to a ceasefire that leaves Hezbollah the clear winner in this conflict! I assume that pressure from the United States was partly responsible. Still, I believe Israel could have pushed ahead and finished the job militarily and would have had deep and widespread U.S. support despite the failure of nerve on the part of our U.S. Department of State. This is a tragedy and a disaster for the citizens of the brave nation of Israel. Ted Harwood

Ihave read the whole article written by Ari Shavit. If Olmer agrees with the advice and resigns from PM Office then question arises whether this act of the Olmer can solve the problem of Israel. No one with averge intellegence can answer the question in affirmative. Meaning thereby first part of the quotation "change the man or change the job" seems do not work. therefore, second part of the quotation i.e. Change the job may be considered and efforts may be made to find a peace ful solution.

Imad, let me educate you: 1) Judaism is 2000years older than Islam. Abraham became Ibrahim, Moses became Musa, Kosher became Halal. Islam copied MUCH from Judaism. 2) Sayed Nasrallah has only reminded the world of how evil Islamic Fundamentalism is what its objectives are ie death to the infidels ie christians and jews. Hezbollah is the words of both Larsen and Egeland of the UN hid behind civilians, speciliased in endangering civilians and boasted about more civilians being killed than their fighters. Dont kid yourself, people who matter know exactly what Hezbollah represents and it stinks. Name me one constructive thing that has benefitted mankind from the Arab world in the last 50 years.

Olmert what are you doing ?send your military out bring them back,send them out bring them back?listen to someone in Israel who knows what there doing you are wearing your army out!with politics!let the warroirs of Israel fight this war and may they be successful!

Alex I just finished reading this response of yours. I was terribly young at the time you mentioned but my memory is as clear as day.Children I find never forget things and have a good memory.I remember hearing the condemnation by the Israeli public decrying the behaviour of all the generals particularely Dayan,who was too busy with his mistress,and the rest who were non plused.Didn't expect the on coming attack from the Arabs,especially being a Holy day as Yom Kippur.They never concidered the posibility of being attacked.Very arrogant,and selfish.So,disinterested,thus cought with their pants down(to put it mildly)The resulting consequence was at least 2000 Israeli soldiers dead. The one man who turned it around and saved the day was of course Ariel Sharon.His brilliant maneuvering turned the tide and won us the war.He was no "John Wayne"winning the battle single handedly of course,it was his marvelous strategy. Will go to website you referred,and read it...

Olmert must go!!! This is not my opinion only, but all of my friends opinions too. But why did you vote for him guys anyway? Why are you so naive?

it makes no difference who is prime minister.the philosophy of israel as a warrior state that believes that every problem can be dealt with in a military manner is the problem. the arab world has indicated clearly in the last 10 years that israel will be acceptable and recognized in the middle east within the pre-67 borders. this means termination of the occupation and all the colonies established since 1967. as long as israel doesn't change its outlook in a fundamental way, whoever is prime minister will preside over a disaster.

well done, they won't understand...

Olmert's failure cannot be overstated. He has set Israel back to 1948, except that in 1948 Israel was comprised of hungry and highly motivated pioneers who could and did deliver the miracle of a jewish nation that rose from the ashes of the holocust. Olmert should have never started this war since Israel's military was unprepared, but once he started it, he should have finished it despite any outside pressure. Sharon would have never conducted the war this way Israel needs a new and much stronger leader to deal with the aftermath of a failed war. God help Israel!!!

Arab is absolutly right. Just end the occupation and allow the creation of a palastinian state. Instead Israel has been continually demolishing the palastinian leadership. No wonder you have noone to talk to. This is the first war Israel has lost. There will be more to come if Israel will not accept its neighbours as equals.

The purpose supposedly is to pressure the Security Council into a better cease fire deal. This is legitimate, in principle, but let us look at the present circumstances: 1.Israel wants that UNIFIL plus French forces should be able to enforce the cease fire. I think it will be better to make it easier for Hizballah to violate the cease fire. This will bring it into conflict with the Lebanese people, which will finally turn against them (following more Israeli airstrikes). I actually doubt Hizballah will fall for this mistake. 2. It was estimated the operation might need 2 months to reach the Litani. It will apparently be brought to an end much sooner by the ceasefire, accomplishing little, but causing many more IDF casualties. What for? 3. The further in Israel goes, the longer it will take to get out (simultaneously, with the Lebanese army moving in). All the while, trust Hizballah to keep shooting at IDF (no rockets). Why prolong the agony?

And how could americans vote such a demon blood thirsty as Bush? Take care first of your own back yard dear

try to confront the uncomfortable reality that you are prime minister and defense ministers of a country called "Israel". You must come to grips with the fact that you are NOT leaders of a peaceful, somnolent European country...like Luxembourg. If you cannot do this, then GET OUT! and for the interim, let the military take control. You can restrict your activities to embassy parties, ribbon cutting, kissing babies and shaking hands with visiting foreign diplomats.

Israel needs a strong leader. That doesn't necessarily mean hawkish. It means strong in convictions. Either go into Lebanon and crush Hezbollah without worry about consequences to Lebanese civilians, or find a diplomatic solution. A half-hearted war has NEVER been won. Wipe the hezbollah villages off the planet without regard to collateral damage, and save Israeli soldiers lives. Or negotiate. Hawkish or Dovish. Netanyahu or Peres. Not Olmert.

For the 1st time in many years we see that Hezbollah is agreeing on points that no other PM in Israel could force them into. Hezbollah will never disappear from the face of the earth& this is a fact we all need to accept& live by. 2day, we notice that sending the Lebanese army in2 the south means that Hezbollah is no longer an armed force on the Israeli/Lebanese border. As a matter of fact this only transformed this group from an armed one to a political one here in LEBANON! Blaming Olmert 4 a decision he HAS to make is not fair for the lives of many innocent Israelis &Lebanese r at stake here& this puts both these countries under tremendous pressure. It?s not about winning anymore; it?s about living& human rights that we are all entitled to? Lebanon consists of 3.5 million people& 2day 1 m. r displaced. We have over 900 casualties& 3000 injured. Compared to the numbers that Israel is posting Lebanon's is way higher; so if this is how you wiegh defeat Israel is definitly the winner!

Olmert must go! It's a total failure of the whole country and the results of this failure will be immesurable in many, many ways in the country and abroad.

Even Labour voters and Meretz voters are agreeing here. This Labour voter certainly agrees. Olmert has proved himself to be a wishy washy wimp. He has tied the military's hands behind their backs and if he agrees to this cease fire he is putting up right back to where we were before our soldiers were kidnapped. With Hezbollah a serious threat. But he's leaving us in this situation minus a lot of very dead civilians and soldiers. And for what?

sopt on mate...time for Israel to implement just ONE UN resolution or respect Human Rights rules...thanks u