Olmert should stay
olmert's courageous decision to buck a large majority of the public, as well as the generals and pundits who argued against the cease-fire, makes up for all those mistakes, as well as for a long list of failures.
By Akiva EldarIf, instead of ordering an incursion deep into Lebanon, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had ushered in this past weekend by telling Israel Defense Forces soldiers that the war had ended, the headline above would have been a banner in 80-point type. If, instead of spending another day in refugee camps, residents of the north had been urged to return to their homes, the following words would have been written more decisively.
But despite the outrage over the bizarre decision - to say the least - that has cost the precious lives of 24 young men in recent hours, this war has not been in vain. Despite the unnecessary suffering of residents of Haifa and the Galilee, our situation today is incomparably better that it was on July 12. Since the peace talks with Syria peaked in 2000, there has not been a window of opportunity in the north similar to the one opened by UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Had it not been for Olmert's well-known haste, it would have been possible to find a more appropriate time for dealing with the growing threat of Hezbollah's missiles. Nevertheless, his courageous decision to buck a large majority of the public, as well as the generals and pundits who argued against the cease-fire, makes up for all those mistakes, as well as for a long list of failures. Had it not been for the arrogance that runs in his veins, which emerged on that Friday night when he shot from the hip in describing the aims of the war, Olmert would not have needed to work so hard in order to justify it and to explain its achievements on the Saturday night it in effect ended.
The prime minister promised the public that he would not end the war without creating a new order in south Lebanon, disarming Hezbollah, freeing the Israeli captives and, if possible, obtaining Hassan Nasrallah's head on a platter. And all this would happen without the presence of a force that would even vaguely resemble UNIFIL, and certainly without negotiating over the release of Lebanese prisoners. Thus, with his own big mouth, Olmert set a standard for himself that even the president of the United States has not come near to meeting (see the Iraqi example). Therefore, in order to correctly assess the war's results, it is first and foremost necessary to ditch the term "victory" in favor of a more modest term - "achievement" - and to distinguish between lunatic expectations and viable goals.
The most important achievement of this war lies in the words of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who dignified the Security Council with a description of the agreement as "a Zionist document." Iran did not arm Hezbollah with missiles capable of reaching beyond Haifa so that Nasrallah would hoist a white flag and beg Arab leaders to stop the fighting. The ayatollahs did not pour hundreds of millions of dollars into bunkers like those discovered in Maroun al-Ras so that their Shi'ite brethren in Lebanon would unreservedly adopt Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's "seven-point program." That program, which is mentioned several times in Resolution 1701, not only announces that the era of a "state within a state" in Lebanon has formally ended; it explicitly cites the 1949 armistice agreement with Israel - an agreement that Hezbollah has hitherto adamantly rejected.
Two weeks too late, following much loss of life and an erosion of Israel's deterrence, Olmert understood that swimming with the aggressive populist tide was liable to deprive us of the opportunity to save Siniora's pragmatic but weak government. The prime minister related with appropriate seriousness to the danger that the destruction of Beirut's remaining infrastructure and an influx of hundreds of thousands of refugees from the south would lead to anarchy and civil war. That would have left us with an Iranian-Shi'ite government to the north and a Sunni-Muslim Brotherhood government to the south.
Olmert deserves to stay in power, because he managed to learn, albeit the hard way, that in our neighborhood, it is not enough to show that the landlord is capable of going crazy. He appears to have learned that it is important to reach peace agreements with those neighbors who are interested in leading normal lives - even if this requires giving up "victory," even if it requires giving up real estate. The prime minister's final grade will be determined by his willingness to internalize these lessons and apply them vis-a-vis our Syrian and Palestinian neighbors. But first of all, of course, he must withdraw the Israel Defense Forces from Lebanon without delay, and enable the Lebanese government, and its army, to exercise its sovereignty. Otherwise, we will all remain stuck in the Lebanese quagmire.
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Judging from what you say in your post; "Olmert Should Stay," Akiva - it is you who should be put on trial for treason, subversion, and for not paying attention during your grammar lessons.
So Olmert did not want to have a commission for the brutality in Amona against women and children by the Yasamnikes, he will get one here. Hopefully they wiill boot him and the entire Kadima and all that were involved with the expulsion of Jews from Gush Katif. Lets face it the above was the catalyst for the disasterous war we just experienced.
meanwhile, it's impossible to comment on Benn Aluf's articles and sharp analysis....
No, he shouldn't.
It's a relief to know that someone (from the other side) has got some common sense. If everybody looks at the general picture and set decent goals in mind, we would have been living in peace. Always remember that the current generation has no real interest in war. The extremists (from both sides) seem to be living in caves of their own minds and the rest of us have to educate them. This is something that takes a lot of effort and time, but is very worth it.
Is Sumayah's contribution racist? Try substituting each reference to "Muslim" or "Muslims" by "Jew" or "Jews". And try and remember that it was the bitter experience of 18 years of Israeli occupation that led the Shia people of South Lebanon to support Hezbollah. As ye sow so shall ye reap.
Israel didn't do it in days of old and they don't do it today. Learn from your past!
Did the following increase or decrease? 1. Safety. 2. Moderation. 3. Extremism. 4. Friends. 5. Enemies. 6. Financial stability. 7. Self-respect. 8. Confidence. 9. Dialogue. 10.Trust. 11.Compassion. 12.Polarization. 13.Public health. 14.Open minds and hearts. 15.Dogmatic viewpoints. 16.Rage. 17.Blame. 18.Wisdom. 19.Good leadership. 20.Hope. 21.Fear.
Dont' blame Olmert. He wanted to go after Hizboullah infranstructure but discovered the IDF is an unmanagmable, undisiplined, and fanatical right-wing entity. The IDF subverted Olmert. They have targeted civilians and gave the world some of the most hohrrific images of dead and daying women and children and needless destruction of civilian infrastructure. While Olmert was hoping for pinpoint targetting of hizbouallah rocket launchers, IDF soldiers were running amock entertaining themselvs shooting children and civilian buildings. PUT THE IDF ON TRIAL NOT OLMERT.
Israel is surrounded by its hostile neighbours. Peace is not possible unless radical states like Iran change their stance,accept Israel as a state,which presently seems not possible.Meanwhile the hamas,hizbollah and their tralalahs keep on bleeding Israel.Olmert is basically from political background.A nation which has to be alert 24 x 7 needs a man with defence background for stategic reasons. Politicians stay away from Israeli leadership.
Jake says "do you see any Sadat coming out of Hizbullah?" Maybe not a Sadat, but a Lebanese Begin, perhaps. There are some striking parallels between Nasrallah and Begin. Both came from somewhat "fundamentalist" original positions, and were involved in terrorism. Both are / were clearly very capable leaders of men, more interested in putting their veiwpoints straightforwardly and objectively rather than indulging much in empty rhetoric. Begin, of course, moved Irgun's people from terrorism to politics when the situation where this became possible arose. Nasrallah was clearly doing much the same with Hesbollah, with its increasing focus on political processes and social services, prior to this war. Despite the obvious support connections linking Hesbollah to Iran and Syria Nasrallah also seems to be fiercely nationalistic Lebanese, and not the puppet protrayed by Bush etc. (Interestingly Begin & Irgun were often similarly said to be Soviet puppets by the British).
Well, to be honest, Israel failed. You have been defeated... As for your courageous army, I remember clearly seeing them running away from the battle field crying & suffering. Funny scene by the way... To be clear concerning one point. You are the terrorists here, since u r the ones trying to take our land & the palestinian land. Face it, you have no Land, and u will never have one. Peace on you my dear friends, I really wish it, cuz I'm sure u'll never have peace... Ciao...
PM Olmert made so many tactical mistakes since the beginning of the fighting against Hezbollah and he didn't achieve anything in the end. Therefore, I am extremely happy to have him paired with the state of Israel because maybe, its fall will be by his hands.
Israel has not won this war,as till the date of ceasefire it failed to achieve its objectives.Neither do the Arab Nasarallah won because he could not barter the release of his men from Israeli prisons.Look Mr. Mahmoud who is pushed beyond Litani,who suffered maximum damage in terms of resources and manpower , this you call victory?
Olmert can carve his name in the guestbook on his way out of the PM's residence. He has no more mandate. Do you see any Sadat coming out of Hizbullah?
The real issue is the diffenition of Israel. Beilin wants a 'state for all' and Olmert and Bibi want a Jewish State with a huge Jewish majority. The idea of unilateral withdrawal was tested and some aspects have been positive and some very negative. One thing is clear, most Jews understand that separation is the way to go. The separation fence will continue but, settlements should stay and the IDF should stay. In other words, the fence should minamize contact between both people until such time that the Arabs recognize the Jewish State. In the mean time, life will be hard for residents of the PA but they have the option to leave. I don't think Olmert views things any different than this way. The IDF will continue to attack the cowards that hide behind babies and the elderly and life will go on. Saudi Arabia will continue to ignore the weak and poor and such is life in the middle east.
Pharaoh first told Moses the men could leave and the women and flocks would stay. Next he said the men and women could leave but the flocks would stay. Each time Moses would say no...everyone and the flocks would leave. 1/2 Victory = 1/2 defeat = 1/2 peace = 1/2 war Olmert would not have got out of Egypt with two small goats!
Next we will see Akiva on Charly Rose on American TV (PBS)usually siding with Palestinian sympathizer, here in southern Califirnia were we have a large comunity of Arabs they love to quote Akiva.
begin,a fiery hawk,went down in history as the p.m. who made peace with egypt.olmert has enough of everything.if he wants to carve a name for himself,not merely fleeting,he needs to do something commensurate.otherwise he will be remembered solely for this bizarre war.
Regardless of his initial declared goals, wether Olmert's war was a success or not won't be known before a few months. If Hezbollah disarms (unlikely), Israel would be able to claim an important achievement. If, on the other hand, Hezbollah does not disarm, and only gets empowered by the war, as some have predicted, then certainly Olmert's incursion into Lebanon would have only worsened a situation that was not so bright to start with. Ironically, this would apply to both Israel and Lebanon.
Olmert is a weak politician and should go. He is as delusional as Neville Chamberlain back in '38 when he announced "Peace In our Time". The enemies of Israel, Jews and Christians will never be happy or satisfied until the earth runs red with our blood. Wars are horrific but must be fought to win. That's what my late father did for 2 and 1/2 years until he liberated Dachau, then donated his weapons to the Zionists.
Do you think IDF could do better? how could we kill so many civilians and call this a restraint? I am reading NY post article about how the US administration are confused with all this military support, IDF could not do better than a line of few kilometers inside lebanon, nor could crush 3000 gurellas. Q to answer
Did you mean that Olmert should bring the boys home or he should go home?
"I can tip you that there`s a vacancy in The Netherlands" - alex Please let's not exchange one Bush-poodle for another. From what I've seen the last weeks, Jan-Peter Balkenende and Ehud Olmert compete pretty well in Bush poodling, general weakness and incredibility when they try to "act tough".
It cost 114 deaths to reach Litani, and that 20x20km area is far from being under IDF control. Should they stay there ? Are you prepared for deaths every day ? And what border is the Litani ? It can be WALKED thru by an armed soldier. Would Israel be safe ? How many deaths each night would the Litani frontier be worth ? Or advance further ? How far ? Till Ba'albeck ? How many reservists ? 30,000 ? 50,000 ? How to secure those expanded borders then ? And how many billions the costs - ammo, wounded, deaths, souring economy ? Before condemning Olmert, think of alternatives more realistic than "beat them": You CAN'T beat a guerilla of a 2 million population. That's finally why IDF in 2000 left. That's what Halutz the dreamer thought would be feasible. It is not. Not without a years long campaign of tens of thousands at billions of costs and tens of thousands of deaths. Say thank you to Olmert that he saved Israel from this catastrophy. Or what would be realistic ?
For the parliment in Israel there can be only one vote for Kadima - NO CONFIDENCE
89 I think was written by Ehud. Afterall who else would support Ehud but Ehud. Em ayen ani li, mi li.
Fox, I really enjoy your postings. You are the smartest man here. Hang in there, brother.
Lebanon claims it lost 800 people "mostly civilians." Israel says it killed 500+ Hizbollah. Do the math. Perhaps some of those civilians weren't so civil?
Lebanon got off easy this time. It may sound cruel to say this, but although the Lebanese may feel that they have been savaged, in reality they were lucky. For a variety of reasons (including US and international pressure, not wanting to topple the Lebanese government, and humanitarian concerns), Israel pulled its punches. Israel allowed several of its major cities to be hit with a rain of missiles for a month without using all its firepower to bring Lebanon to its knees. I think Israel's decision was the right one, but only time will tell. For now, the government of Ehud Olmert is taking incredible heat for its decision. Next time, if there is a next time, Israel is not likely to be so restrained.
All you defeatist "enemies within" should go to hell, and let the rest of us defeat the enemy without
!
Akiva: Since when has the accomplishment of none of one's publically pronounced goals become in your very own words, "an important achievement?" We have shed precious IDF blood due to the emotional miscalculations of Omert. With the end result being that after a month of horror and struggle for the young men and women involved; the status quo remains basically the same as it was four weeks ago - our soldiers are still being held captive, and Hezbollah still reigns supreme in Lebanon with a very much alive insane man at it's head. After the brief respite, when Hezbolla has once again been rearmed by its Iranian and Syrian backers, and rockets once again are raining down on the innocent - more of our our valiant soldiers precious blood will once again be shed retaking the same old tired ground, when we should have pushed Hezbolla all the back to the gates of Tehran in the first place. When will appeasers such as you ever learn?
'Olmert should stay'.Elder. Internal politcs should be the last thing in the mind of Israel today. It has been a destructive politics at peace and it is more destractive in the time of war Israel knows. It creat no stability and the wrong atmospher for the country and sends wrong massages to the media and the world. In peace time it can bring government down,in war time it can bring nations down. Israel must watch the enemy and not each other. Nesrallah last speach, besides building his personal glory in a War that didn't finish yet, Nasrallah is licking his plans for the future. Lestin to him well and watch what he said: 1- The Lebanese Army is not strong enough to protect the borders of Lebanon even with 50,000 foreign army 2-The Governments should use its Army only when it is capable to protect Labanon. The people of the South needs that. Nasrallah is saying, Hezbollah must be the national army and be stationed at the Israeli Borders !!! Akram Zekaria.
Boy are these comments wrong! Israel didn't lose (except perhaps for the time being in the PR department). First, a great proportion of Hezbo rocket launchers and fighters were eliminated, while Israel only lost a few tanks and about 100 soldiers. (Not much of a setback for Israel.) Second, a huge percentage of Hezbo's 6-year accumulation of missle arsenal was wasted for very little; about 95% hit nothing of any value. Third, after 6 years of refusing, Lebanon has obliged itself to its send troops to the south, and this will be part of a march larger international force. AND NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE HEZBO'S ARE NO LONGER EXCLUSIVELY ISRAEL'S PROBLEM; IF THE UN CAN'T PACIFY HEZBO'S, ISRAEL'S AIR FORCE WILL IMMEDIATELY BE BACK OVER LEBANON AND CAN PUSH HEZBO'S BACK TO THE LITANI RIVER! Hezbo's are now as much if not more of a problem for Sunni's, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia than for Israel. Those who say Israel lost, get real!!!
Really Olmert is a disgrace. Why was he rushing? Atleast one of the conditions should have been the release of the two soldiers. Atleast he should have held out until the soldiers were released before accepting the cease fire. He was a disgrace.
The hesitancy to engage in an immediate all out ground offensive may have prevented smashing Hesbollah, but it allowed the international community to become involved in disarming Hebollah and prevented Israel from being condemned as a bully by the entire world. That's worth a lot for future security as long as the international community is effective in disarming Hesbollah. But it may not work, it may get bogged down, in which case Israel has the right and should be prepared to return, pulling out every stop, to smash Hezbollah. Olmert needs to make that clear, or step aside and let soemone take his place who will.
Good article, but forget it if you think it's better to have formal peace with Syria without the Golan, than to not have formal peace and have the Golan. I believe it's far better for Israel to have the Golan, and the Syrians can go straight to hell. The Golan was won with Jewish blood and it rightly is now part of Israel. And as far as "convergence" with the Palestinians -- they have gotten Gaza and a piece of Northern Samaria, which is more than enough considering what their mentality is -- and that's where they should be encouraged to move to.
Mr. Eldar, It seems to me that your calculation is that Olmert is better for the left and Ha'aretz than Bibi who has moral clarity. It maybe convinient to the left to keep some of their lost credibility after the following disasters instigated by the Left, the elitist liberal media (especially the think type at Haaretz): 1. Oslo accord 2. The failed Camp David Clinton-Barak-Arafat trio 3. The retreat from Lebanon 2000 4. The retreat from Gaza 2005 and 5. The war and retreat from Lebanon 2006 On the other side, Bibi learned a lot and the rabid dogs in the media could not find anything to fault him... As Halutz said, the people that do not learn should go home. Olmert, Peretz, do ourselves a favor.... JUST GO.... ENOUGH.... YOU BOTH ARE A FAILURE, LEAVE....
honestly how many passport u have??
try telling her the truth....terrorist army of iran and syria occupies lebanon and without telling anybody they were ordered by their masters in Teheran to attack isreal...they did and killed 8 soldiers and captured 2. At the same time they fired lots of rockets into isreali towns to divert attention. Israel attacked back but Hezbollah hid in towns and villages amongst civilians and fired rockets at isreali towns and cities - a war crime. Israel had to fire at these rocket places because otherwise the rockets would always fall on isreali cities and all the isrealis would die. Hezbollah were happy when civilians in lebanon die because they can say to everybody how bad isrealis are. Hezbollah also happy when Isareli civilians die. Hezbollah like to see civilians die. Israel hit hard because Hezbollah wants to kill all jews and fired more than 3500 rockets into isreal. iran and syria very happy. c'est vraiment tres facile de raconter la verite a ta fille.
"I can tip you that there`s a vacancy in The Netherlands" - alex Please let's not exchange one Bush-poodle for another. From what I've seen the last weeks, Jan-Peter Balkenende and Ehud Olmert compete pretty well in Bush poodling, general weakness and incredibility when they try to "act tough".
We need weak hopeless dumb leaders ... you got them in what you pretend is a govt.... try remembering you are occupied by iran and syria
"I can tip you that there`s a vacancy in The Netherlands" - alex Please let's not exchange one Bush-poodle for another. From what I've seen the last weeks, Jan-Peter Balkenende and Ehud Olmert compete pretty well in Bush poodling, general weakness and incredibility when they try to "act tough".
"I can tip you that there`s a vacancy in The Netherlands" - alex Please let's not exchange one Bush-poodle for another. From what I've seen the last weeks, Jan-Peter Balkenende and Ehud Olmert compete pretty well in Bush poodling, general weakness and incredibility when they try to "act tough".
Firing Olmert ? To be replaced by .. who ?. Like or not Olmert is a fair representative of the Israeli nation. His hesitation, mistakes, emotional rather than analyitical decisions, unrealistic expectations and lack of caution are the same the Israeli people are showing as a whole. Olmert's negligence on the strategic level by making the wrong war at the wrong time is but the same negligence of an IDF mechanized batallion commander ordering his Merkavas to advance up the slope of a Lebanese valley just to become slowly-moving pieces of steel that expose their soft underbellies to Hizbullah anti-tank weapons. The real trouble for Israel is that the basic strategic miscalculations of the political leadership were simply compounded rather than mitigated by a lousy tactical execution of the IDF. Israeli reality , from the outside, appears to be the beginning of a systemic and permanent decline
This was a sad loss for Israel. As an American and an "objective" outsider... This war was a complete loss for Israel. Israel's current leadership has lead you down the path towards destruction! Anything less that the total destruction of your enemy is time ill spent! You must do to them what they intend to do to you! Just as Poland and France were stepping stones for Nazi Germany during WWII... Israel is just a small stepping stone for Islamic Jihad.
I think Olmert should stay. We need weak hopeless dumb leaders on our border. Next time the IDF wants to enter lebanon , maybe they pack some lunch to take.
OLMERT SHOULD GO AFTER HIS CRIMES AGAINST THE HUMANITY AND CHILDRENS .ISRAEL NEEDS A LEADER TO MAKE THE PEACE AND NOT THE WAR.LEBANESE WILL NOT FORGET AND NOT FORGIVE.SO IF YOU NEED THE PEACE AND THE GOOD LIFE FOR YOUR NEW GENERATION WORK FROM NOW TO BILD THE TRUST AROUND YOU.AS A LEBANESE LIVE IN FRANCE I HAVE AN ISRAILEIN FRIENDS AND EVEN MY KIDS ARE FRIEND TO THEIRE KIDS /SO HOW CAN I EXPLAIN TO MY DAUGHTER ABOUT WHAT IS HAPENNING IN LEBANON AND WHO DO THESE MASSACRES.......
Olmert should be tossed out for believing the lies of a Chief of Staff Halutz who had already been defeated once by Hizbullah in first Lebanon War. Halutz was commander of all air operations in first Lebanon war in 1999-2000 and Hizbullah feared mosquitoes more than our Air Farce. From day one of stupidlfy bombing Beirut airport, to bombing empty buildings, to bombing full apartment buildings killing dozens of kids, Halutz showed himself to be a serial repeated of crimes against humanity in both Gaza and Lebanon. Olmert, Livni, Peretz, Halutz, Benny Gantz, Moshe Kaplinsky and the entire General Staff, those losers of the first Lebanon War should be tossed out with yesterdays trash.
... we can keep Tzipi Livni also to release Gilad in Gaza!
I don't agree that the problem is Olmert-Peretz-Livni being inexperienced leaders. Maybe they are, but this is not the real problem. All leaders have advisers, the IDF generals told them all the time what needs to be done but these leaders have hold back the army for some misterious reason and i've heard several times that IDF isn't doing more than a fraction of what it is capable of. The real war started only 48 hours before the cease fire - nobody understands why. There is some pathological, leftist, fear to win, fear of being strong. In 1973, the leadeship also didn't listen to the Mossad and didn't let the army prepare. Whatever we do, it is always too little, too late and unfinished, even now when we had a whole month (like never before) to do the work. Unbelievable.
Mr. Olmert, When they kick you out the government I can tip you that there's a vacancy in The Netherlands since we are having our third elections in 4 years time in November. And here we have a tradition that we don't send our PM our any other Minister home when they fail. We just let them say 'sorry, I made a mistake, won't happen again' and they go on. And that for the third time already. You probaly wish the Israeli people threat you that way. If not, the elections here are November 22th. Good luck.
The leftist always sounds attractive but the end result is a big pain! Look at Isreal right now! I feel sorry for the soldiers and the civilians.
Dear FOX ,italian leftists(or communist as they effectively are)are thinking that israel is a nazist state so they hate israel and are good friends of all kind of terrorist.One man of Red brigate(italian terrorist movement of'70)is now a secretary of parliament.He was condenmned to 30 Years prison for murdering a policeman but after 12 he was FREE.The P.M. was a KGB spy in 1974,the foreign minister(a communist)Was involved in communists riots and throwed molotov's bombs(in those years)towards policemans.Now is a minister.Is enough for You? Saluti from a friend of usa and Israel too,even if a criticize Olmert cabinet.
Excellent Article. While PM. Olmert made a number of significant mistakes, I do not want to jump on the bandwagon to malign him. The individual soldiers fought bravely as usual. Hezbollah has been degraded. Even the UN has recognized the need to disarm them. Had Israel done everything right it would have degraded Hezbollah by 75%(and not elimated them). It probably degraded them by 50%.The 25% differential to achieve a "better" result would have come at a much larger cost to Israelis and Lebanese civilians; and the end came would have been a political solution comparable to what was achieved. Israel could not sustain a continued assult on its citizens and economy. All and all, Israel did as well as could be expected.
Sumayah # 7 you exposed your self as the worst ever, I bet you immitate different ideas, strange and dangerous ideas: Why Hezbollah must be defeated at all costs? They work to liberate the occupied parts of their country since 1982.You said that Muslims interpret kindness as weakness; no U R wrong they are of a higher class of thoughts. You said (Islamic terrorism) there is no such terror, if you confirm it then you are a different religion terrorism. Islam is peace and love, not war and hatred. You are a criminal war ugly bird. Can U define who is the terrorist? Is it the one who want to liberate his country or the one occupying it? is it the one who bomb children in bed by smart weapons at midnight. You divide the world under two groups (We and They), such a division is very dangerous. Muslim mind works in a peculiar way. They go where the power is. If we let the terrorists win,
Absolutely correct, both of you!
the point since the inception of israel is whether it can arrive at stability/non(active) belligerency/peace.israel so far has mostly acted counter to that condition for long-term survival.the last serious attempt got rabin murdered.if olmert has the greatness to be instrumental-god bless him.if not-we'll wait&watch many future inquiries on wars turned horribly sour.
as should the rest of the Israel's occupying palestinian lands. What a ridiculous arguement.
Eldar's catalogue of Olmert's failings would - in any other functioning state- disqualify him from political office for life. That he looks set to continue in office is evidence of the rotten state of politics in his party, which has no institutionalised participation in policy-making by the grass roots membership. As a result of the corrupt nature of politics in the country and domination by the military, ambitious yet principled citizens have largely given up on politics as a career. Look who we are left with - the results of the past month speak for themselves
007, your posting was full of information. It is a problem that the UN was still given a role in securing south Lebanon. They are in the pockets of Big OIL and "Oil for Food" corruption. I have a question for you. what is it that attracts the Italian Left to the Hezbollah? Is it that they goose step when they march? Is it there big black turbans, fashionable? Is it their violent anti-semitism? could it be that they are an autocratic and theocratic organization, pushing Sharia Law? could it be that they would like to see Israel wiped out? I wish to understand why the Left is so enamoured by facists and so-called freedom fighting thugs. I grew up as a young leftist opposed to a religious state as well as violence as the means to control. I would be interstd in reading your answer. As for victory, if Lebanon becomes a free state, in control of its own foreign policy we will all have won!
007, your posting was full of information. It is a problem that the UN was still given a role in securing south Lebanon. They are in the pockets of Big OIL and "Oil for Food" corruption. I have a question for you. what is it that attracts the Italian Left to the Hezbollah? Is it that they goose step when they march? Is it there big black turbans, fashionable? Is it their violent anti-semitism? could it be that they are an autocratic and theocratic organization, pushing Sharia Law? could it be that they would like to see Israel wiped out? I wish to understand why the Left is so enamoured by facists and so-called freedom fighting thugs. I grew up as a young leftist opposed to a religious state as well as violence as the means to control. I would be interstd in reading your answer. As for victory, if Lebanon becomes a free state, in control of its own foreign policy we will all have won!
Wow! Lets see here, in about a month of fighting you killed about 1000 civilians. You blew up an oil storage tank send 15,000 lbs of oil into the sea causing the worst oil spill of this century. You did not get the hostages back and will now negotiate their release (which you refused to do a month ago...). Over 4000 rockets rained down on N. Israel killing civilians and never showed signs of slowing down. Give yourself a big pat on the back IDF - you earned it.
You are absolutely true. Frankly speaking, it is shameful how blinded most Israelis are concerning the deliberate civilian damage inflicted by the IDF in Lebanon. What you are being told in the Israeli media is a very tiny percentage of the real DELIBERATE CIVILIAN damage. I strongly encourage our Israeli brothers to read and watch foreign media (please, not American media) to know the truth.
"The ayatollahs did not pour hundreds of millions of dollars into bunkers like those discovered in Maroun al-Ras so that their Shi'ite brethren in Lebanon would unreservedly adopt Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's 'seven-point program'." Eldar writes as if Hizballah is some arm of Iran. Hizballah takes care of its OWN agenda, which is not global Jihad (like Iran) but liberation of its land. Hizballah stated in the past that they would disarm once the Shabaa Farm is back in Lebanese hands. So far, there is no reason to doubt that, even if this goal does not please Iran. Consider Eldar's view of mentioning the 1949 armistice agreement among the 7-point program. Hizballah agreed to it because the Shabaa Farm was ALSO mentioned in that program. In other words, all the territorial dispues with Israel were to be settled. But since the recent UN resolution does not solve Shabaa, Hizballah now says that it does not want to let Lebanese army into the south. There are 2 possibilities: 1. Hizballah was insincere, following Iran's desires, as Eldar might think. 2. Hizballah was sincere all along. Israel better get rid of Shabaa and see Hizballah dismantled or run into conflict with the Lebanese people. Better pursue this line. It is less paranoid and can lead to gains. BG
War terminated, creating a shock every where, planting hatred, many lost their beloved persons, lost their belongings, lost their pillows, to sumup lost every thing except Honor, Except Dignity, Except Proudness. I invite both parties to plant Just and Last Peace Instead, let us all be wise.
They have mismanaged everything they touch. They should have never been put in power and now that they've proved that they are not worthy to lead the country they should resign in disgrace.
I TOTALLY agree with your analysis and statement! Now could you help me better understand why so many Christians in Europe and even in America and elsewhere fail to understand your point. It got to be more that satisfying their oil needs. Is n't it?
A premature Baruch Dayan Emet. Let's not forget that this is the man who brought us Lebanon War I (and the consequential downfall of Menachem Begin), the birth of Hizbullah (previously AMAL) and the 6 year old hands off policy that made them so strong, the rise of Hamas to replace Fatah (Angle of death replacing the devil), the Greek Island affair (along with his sons Omri and Gilad), the Hitnatkut (Surrender of Gaza to newly elected Hamas terrorists), the insane idea of Hitkansut (the Convergence plan) and the final blow to the Jewish people, Olmert himself. He will go down in Jewish history as the only leader who was hated more by Israelis than Israel?s enemies. Meanwhile lets see how they pull off his funeral next to Lili on the Sycamore ranch without having to dodge Kassam rockets.
Olmert punked out by weekend warriors... LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Olmert=Jimmy Carter. Both had similar defeats against Iran. Will Bibi be Ronald Reagan?
Normally I would call for Olmert's immediate removal. But today I'm saying he should stay despite all of his failures, for one reason and one reason alone. Hassan is still around. Israel's leader can't be defeated due to war while the Hezb. leader stays in power throughout the same war. Talk about etching the loss into stone! Bringing down the leader of Israel while Hassan still survives would be Hassan's biggest victory yet. This is not the time to dispose of Olmert. Let Labor dispose of Olmert when the Pal. peace process/realignment goes nowhere. Labor will withdraw from the gov't and Olmert will have to go. And Hassan will either be dead by then, or it will be too late for him to claim it as a victory. It will just be politics.
Some posts from israel ask olmert to remain,many more ask to go to retire.From abroad and specially from people sympathizing hezbollah the bigger part ask him to remain....is a thing to think about very seriously.....Saluti.
A man with an antitank rochet RPG-29 hidden in between rocks and bushes in mountains or houses of villages on the border is better than a tank of million of dollars,and is the cause of destroying of merkavas of IDF.The gun win the armour. Is the old dilemma of the army that now had received a lesson of tactic in the battlefield.Saluti.
an army that has been acting for many years as a colonial police force against the Palestinian population--"terrorists", women and children--and spending its time running after stone-throwing boys, cannot remain an efficient army. The test of results confirms this.
"courageous decision to buck a large majority of the public, as well as the generals and pundits who argued against the cease-fire, makes up for all those mistakes, as well as for a long list of failures." - Eldar This is really a foolish statement. Eldar forgets the "rest of the world", especially the US, which the public and generals pay little attention to, but which the PM gets telephone calls from. Israel had essentially NO OPTION but to accept the cease fire. The US gave it exceedingly long cover for the war, but finally had to stop it in order to preserve whatever little respect and moral influence it has left in the world. The US was also attuned to the state of "demoracy" in Lebanon, and wanted to preserve it. Olmert seems to have had no such concern from day one. BG
well well said;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Fox of desert!You begin this crisis(is not a war because there isn't involved any state but only terrorists)asking freedom for two soldiers abducted from israel.The targed of olmert was to expel hezbollah from border.Now the two soldier are hostage,terrorist still maintain their positions.Olmert had loose. If you expect that Onu troops will send away hezbollah I think you are wroooong. In Italy we have a communist's government and a minister (diliberto)is a good friend of nasrallah.Our soldiers never will have any permission to shoot against hezbollah,only to defend lebanese civilian against IDF, otherwise it will be in Italy the government fall.And communists NEVER will have again a similar opportunity to keep the POWER.Remember my words my friend.Saluti.
Do you know why Olmert's war failed in Lebanon? Because the IDF targeted civilians at an alarming rate to the point the international opnion was unable to stomach the war and could not remain silent, not even the US could. The fact is, Israeli soldiers and officials have delibertaly killed hundreds of civilians for pure revenege and mayhem and for no other military purpose what so ever. This is the truth that you will never hear for the damage will be so severe and will expose the underlining lack of disciplne and deep-rooted racism which plauges the Israeli military mechine. Olmert's limited objectives in Lebanon have been subverted by an extremist right-wing culture in the Israeli military establishment. The war objective was no longer to go after Hizbouallah, it became a turky shoot for Israeli solders who wanted to entertain themselvs, similar to what is happening in Palestine.
Olmert and the whole IDF heads should go immediately. In business such "managers" would have been fired "yesterday". In fact in many countries they would be really fired! Knowing the quagmire of Israeli politics am waiting to see what other desasters these people will bring upon Israel. Regards Roberto
Israel/Lebanon before July 12 and today have a different dynamic, one that is more to Israel's liking. Those talking of Israel's defeat are just projecting their own desires and their own actions would they be in our shoes. The "liberation" of Lebanon, the "standing up to the Israelis" smoke and mirrors because Israel has no designs on Lebanon, was dragged in grudgingly and has no interest there. hizbullah succeeded in destroying Lebanon and Israel's deterrence suffered only in that hizbullah didn't care about their own. There is no deterrence in that type of situation. We have a border that will be clean, we'll have arms going just to Lebanon, UN effectively has taken a terrorist groups teeth away if it holds. Lebanon is decades behind where it was July 11 and any country harboring this type of group has to wonder "is it worth it"? Egypt gave the answer, no responsible government would allow itself to implode the way hizbullah watched lebanon.
Mahnoud is absolutely correct: Hezbollah is a terrorist organization. Actions of Hezbollah against Israel provoked the war and have brought disaster to many families in Lebanon and in Israel. The lebanese girl evidently is a victim of propaganda. Hopefully, when this girl becomes more mature, she would aquire her own opinion. Meanwhile the girl should know that "gUrl" is written not correctly ("girl" is much better).
Israel is not only hated more than ever but is also a laughing stock as an army. Way to go.
So where are the kidnaped soldures?.........hummmmmm?
This incompetent government not only send our soldiers in without a clear plan for defeating Hizzbulla, without proper equipment and training, leading to unnecessary deaths, civilian and IDF, and relinquish securty of Israel's northern border to the UN, but now we read that they didn't even make plans to get food and water to the troops. This is wanton disregard for their lives and a complete military failure. A failure of this magnitude endangers Israel's existence and Kadima will have to go. With friends like Kadima who needs Hizzbulla?
After so much suffering and killing in a campagain that was so poorly thought out and executed, it's time for Ehud and his cronies to join Akiva in the kitchen where she belongs.
SHAME ON YOU!!!! i doubt that ur Leb- what a shame! Hizbollah assured us that they respect their government. and all we want is PEACE-that's what hizbullah wants too!!!!!!!!!
Eldar is even more crass than I ever imagined! This government must go...and go now. This includes all the party hacks of KADIMA. The situtation of a nuclear IRAN demands skilled leadership - immediately!
bruce anderson in the Independent did wrote that Israel lost the war. Such is the perception in the palestinian territories as well as the wider Arab world. In the middle East Nasrallah is more popular than ever. The prime minister of lebanon managed to secure the withdrawal of the israeli troops from Lebanon as well as the revision of the status of Sheba Farms. Israel did not manage to destroy hezzbollah infraestructure , cripple their leadership .
Olmert+Peretz should stay for MORE LOOSE!!!!!
As far as I know, there were 114 IDF soldier dead in order to rescue TWO kidnaped soldiers... uh, by the way: at the last, these soldiers were NOT rescued! I'd never seen so stupid decision from an Israeli government. This invasion was the most terrible mistake Israel made in the last two decades.
i would like to say sorry for all soldiers that died in lebanon and i also wish the wounded to recover fast,in my opinion i think israel should continue its war against hezbolla,because and so honestly hizbolla is an organized terrosist party in lebanon,and the lebanese people and government cant control them anymore because they threat by their weapons,they are totally outlaws,the lebanese citizens and government cant say that on public because they are affraid...
From day 1 Olmert grossly mismanaged the war. First, airpower alone would be used. Next, it was pinpoint ground incursions. Then, the great PM has several reserve divisions called up, but only officers for training. After 4 weeks he finally has several reserve divisions and approves a ground invasion, but hold off for diplomancy. Then he ok's the invasion when the UN begins to vote. Is this guy yellow or just plain nuts? It would be funny if it wasn't for the death and distruction his vasilation caused.
Nothing was accomplished but the death of many Israeli civilians and soldiers and much damage to Haifa and Kiryat Shemonah. The soldiers have not been freed. Hezbollah is not destroyed. Iran and Syria have not been punished. Time to fire Olmert and Peretz, if they don't do the menschy thing and resign
I know it won't do any good because people that think as u do, never listen much to the truth. The jewish people have existed for 3200 yrs way before 1948 and even before 48' there was the hebron riots that killed 50 jews yet there was no occupation. I will never apologize for having land of our own, and am proud of a people that has come back after 1900 years to reclaim our land. You're pathetic claims of victimhood may work with post colonialist guilt ridden westerners but not here. The jews have a moral and historic right to this land with our own state, and we will fight for it. And by the way i don't deny using weapons in trying to destroy an islamo-fascist terrorist organization such as Hamas. they are worse then the Nazis b/c they use g-d in their sick ideology, and they violated UN resolution 1559 not that it matters. The Arabs will progress when they take responsibilty & not always blaming the Jews, its just to convenient!
I have to say, I think Olmert can be credited with achieving a UN resolution that really is good for Israel and ultimately problematic for Hezb, even though the bombing campaign at the beginning of the war has done irreperable damage to Israel's image. I usually don't get involved on these boards, but I will say the following--and know that this comes from a tireless supporter of Israel with a lot of family there: Israelis, grow up! The "mighty" IDF--well, the Hezb are mighty, too, and the idea that you will fight and win wars w/o casualties is a myth that is over. The 67/73 wars are over. The Hezb are a guerilla force, and it's not the first time guerillas have successfully resisted a regular army. Learn from this instead of mythologizing your army. Second, and this is the big point: you need a real settlement with the Palestinians. That will take a major noose off your neck. you're going to have to share jerusalem and accept 67 borders. Everything else follows from that.
Akiva Eldar, thanks for the very informative article. We have this phrase from a religious wise man: THANKS GOD THAT MADE OUR ENEMIES SO STUPID. After all we found the most thoughtless enemy of the humanity called Olmert that showed us the Israel is nothing except a Paper Tiger. So we beg all you Israelis to let him be in power. Mohammad, Paris
Let's face it guys..Israel failed and the truth has come out. Our leaders failed and they won beacause they are the truth... we have hundreds of their men in prisons, they are a means of trade. We love life and they love to die......
. . . that people like Eldar deserve.
Eldar writes that Olmert must withdraw the IDF from Lebanon - but the Lebanese government is too weak to exercise its sovereignty and the Lebanese army is weak, commanded by a stooge of Syria and one-third of its members are Shiites more likely to provide weapons and intelligence to Hizbollah then to fight them.
from what we saw we all know now who the real terrorists are (ISAREL) i can't believe u ppl think that resistance is terrorism- really now give us a break, are we blind or are we deaf??????????? what do u think we are Israel we all kno what u r now- and ur still attacking the palestenians...its soo sad how ppl kill kids0-have u got no heart?????????
Olmert, Prerets, Haluts & Haarets must be eliminated from Israel political life
"This war has not been in vain" Akiva Eldar. A statement made ahead of its time. Israel went to its sixth war in Lebanon in vague mind and feeling. The war ends with lessons more than victory. Israel victory can be achieved by Israel learning from these lessons and apply them. "Olmert should stay" Akiva Eldar this is another rush thinking specially made hours after not knowing wether this war 'ends' or it is only a 'hudna'? Olmert is not the only 'thing' that needs to be examined. There are many other things to be looked at,in this microcosm that called'Israel'. Since Sharon left the stage new realities came to the surface in Israeli political scene. We all know about them. Israeli politics became a 'game' for any one who desire to play. The miletary became politician and politician became a miletary. Lebanon exposed all that. After all Israel has always lived a double life. Lebanon war is a warning that we have not much credit left to spend. Akram Zekaria.
from what we see, we reallyh know who the real terrorists are -- ISRAEL... so what happened in Lebanon is not terrorism and i wanna assure u that now we kno that hisbulla is only resisting and fighting for their land
Oh yes...In every war Soldiers on both sides are abducted..it has always been the case..but why did Olmart and his sheeps decided to Destroy Lebanon? Could't they Negotiate from the begininG? We also have hundreds of lebanese in the Israeli prisons..did we declare war on israel? no we chose to abduct 2 soldiers in order to have a negotiation! Anyways Bashar and Ahmadinajad won because they will make some under the table agreements with the US...Lebanon and Israel (as people) are the only loosers, Hezbolah is a winner !
wow! if olmert, who had 85% support a month ago and called a true jew caring for jewish lives even if it's just 2 soldiers, is now asked to emigrate... I guess Israel is not a land for all jews but only the murderers isn't it? those who would faltten villages and cities... congrads fellow jews on this lovely country of yours.
No Esther, he did well to weigh what the military were telling him. They were giving him bad advice.
Many are Israelis are arguing that more combat power should have been committed to from the begining of the recent crisis. Funny, but that's what many people many Americans argued about Iraq. I say the results would have been exactly the same. Israeli training and firepower would win every battle just as the Americans did in Iraq (and Vietnam) but that success would only bog Israel down in guerilla war in Lebanon (again) just as the U.S. is bogged down in Iraq. Everybody knows the U.S. has already lost the Iraq war, just as it won in Vietnam, despite winning all the battles. If nothing else, Ehud Olmert has learned very quickly what George Bush will never learn: how to correct a mistake before it's too late.
Take Peretz and Livni with him to wherever he goes as long as he leaves Israel.
Tell me please ONE good reason; why? The worst he has done was not listening to the military. He almost killed all of us.
Israeli deaths: Soldiers: 114 (IDF) Civilians: 43 (IDF) was it worth the 2 kidnapped soldiers?
I served the IDF during the few sad years following the Yom Kippur war. At the time, we felt, as hardened combar soldiers, that only a combination of force and diplomacy could slowly bring peace to the region. I still feel this way. The IDF soldiers we have seen fight in Libanon are of the highest calibre. The politicians have chosen to hold back the might of he IDF to leave some room for diplomacy. This is a good thing. This kind of balance must be maintained.
Political spinmasters can't hide the truth. Olmert and Kadima have seriously damaged Israel by their bungling and incompetence.
Israel now says it will negotiate for the soldiers' release! could they not have done that from the start? the israeli cabinet should go home....they did nothing but kill civilians on both sides! you wanna know who was the winner? Bashar and ahmadinejad!
The people will now pay a heavy penalty. Best advice is to emigrate. PLEASE PRINT OR DO YOU ONLY PRINT MUSLIM LETTERS CONDEMNING ISRAEL
No, I don't mean that we should hate Hetzbollah or the Islamic Jihad- they are the natural plagues that should simply be exterminated. Our hate should be directed against those who call themselves our leaders, but who, in reality, are the bunglers, the cowards and the criminal incompetents who never hesitate to sacrifice the lives of their countrymen for their own personal gains. And, finally, I would strongly advise the people of Israel, and all Jews, to learn how to hate from the Ukranians and to learn how to fight from the French Foreign Legion. And do that in a hurry: the next war is on the horizon.
Fire Olmert & Peretz
But I agree, Olmert was not so bad, it could have been worse. But this does not make his (?) "Hezbollah Paranoia", that he started the idiotic war etc, better. He is just not worse than others and better than many. Iran is less idiotic than described as well. They are all rather clever (and won).
You mean diplomacy from your side will not work. you never respected any UN resolution. Although UN is all yours. You teach your children how to send ours nice presents (bombs). look at yourself, even animals refuse you. You started this war since 1948, when you stole our land, and you will pay the price for that. Wake you, your game is over. this is only the begning of your end. this is the truth that you have to face. Go back to your original homeland.
Olmert/Peretz/Livni are our best friends. Leave them in power to bumble and stumble away Israel. Don't you dare remove them from office.
The sad fact is that after heavy losses, huge economic sacrfice and fighting words....The kidnapped soldiers are not back home and have no immediate prospect of being liberated.....the rockets were never stopped....hisbollah hasn't been disarmed or obviously defeated.....Israel's security is now in the hands of such 'dependables' as koffi annan and a bizarre ragtail army from muslim and antisemitic eu states like france. Olmert failed. Period.
do you realy feel that you won?? com on give urself a break!! what do your heart tells u?? VICTORY is ours and to arab this time accoplished with SAYED HASSAN NASRULLAH great hands.
People of Israel, I wonder if you have another PM like Isaac Rabin???
Yes, Mr Olmert should stay ? he has shown to all and sundry the true roadmap to peace. Additionally, as if all else was not enough, it is considered by many sophisticated and informed Arabs everywhere that all the Palestinian refugee camps in every Arab country (e.g. Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, etc.) are, in essence, ?lands occupied by Israel?; this is particularly so in light of the UN Security Council resolutions requiring the repatriation of all these refugees back to their original homeland. Israel not only demands that these nations to cater, provide for and pay for these refugees being there (one need not state in which human conditions), but further requires them to control these people?s political aspirations and expressions on fear of Israeli pitiless retribution. All will suffer if any Palestinian refugee does, or says, anything that may be perceived as interfering with Israel?s national security. Israel alone monopolises the concept of National Security! So is the case with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and the others ? (in fact, Syria is asked not to home certain of these Palestinians in their country [send them where? one wonders!]). All Arabs believe that the real aim of these Israeli policies are to suffocate any aspirations and/or protests by keeping them weak, intimidated and, most importantly, helpless and, therefore, succumbing. Will national Resistance movements be established to free these ?lands occupied by Israel?? Only the Israeli leaders have the answer. I pray that whatever is done this time, matters are resolved where the real causes, and not the real symptoms (the two not to be confused) are attended to ably and significantly by the leaders on both sides. Suffice it to say, Mr Olmert has, wittingly or otherwise, established the true way forward for all. In reality, all these wars are nothing short of a close family dispute over land inheritance. God Bless all concerned. Bader
The centre is always in a difficult spot. If the right calls the left 'worse than the arabs' then the centre is regarded by the right as 'appeasers'. To the left the centre is as bad as the right. But the silent majority,the po[ulation, love the centre for most people want to sort out the problems and are not idealogues (yes during war more people turn to the right for protection) The decisions that the centrists have to make are difficult.Its much easier to see the world in Black and White. Working the Grey takes more work and attacks from all sides. With that I say Olmert should stay however what he saw as a simple task (or maybe they were just saying that) of finding the missiles and destroying them wasnt the case for they were being fired from civilian structures. The onus too has to be on the Lebanese fovernment and any arab moderates who have to sort out their own house.
As if Olmert had any choice, he was ordered from Washington to accept. The only thing Olmert has learned from this is that you do not start a war and lose it and still be the PM of Israel, or rarther he will soon find out.
Many Israeli's blame Olmert for this war and defeat. Olmert went to the war with a great pressure from Bush and his administration. Olmert was not an nice person. Killing more than 700 child and more than 500 civilians cannot be considered by any means as weakhearted or softness. The army was given a freehand with thousands of Tons of rockets and bombs. It is time to realize that Bush pushed Israel into this stupid war. It is time for Israelis to realize that war and power will not give peace. Enough is enough, Time is for dealing with reality. Talk with your enemy with respect.
What victory the government is talking about? Hizbolla sill here. Hizbolla still have the 2 soldiers. Hizbolla is now mor popular in all the world. Hizbolla can launch rockets at any time..no achievments for this war..25 IDF soldiers(if not much more) dead this week end for nothing!! The economic lost of israel. The very bad image of israel in all the world. Shame on you Olmert. Go home Olmert. Tremendous Defeat of Israel..shame shame
Olmert's wife is one othe leader of women in black, they pushed Barack to withdraw from Lebanon in 2000, and their children , they don't serve in the IDF. Is for that kind of people we are fighting for?
Olmert should resign quickly, very quicly.
Comatose and helpless, Sharon must be turning in his soon-to-be grave at the thought that Kadima was stillborn, as a result of the IDF's humiliation in Lebanon. More frustrating must be the fact that this was as a result of the actions of his protege, Olmert.
"Had it not been for Olmert's well-known haste, it would have been possible to find a more appropriate time for dealing with the growing threat of Hezbollah's missiles." I think this is the factor that will make it impossible for him to stay. The haste not only cost young lives on an ill-prepared battle-field, it put into danger and suspended the lives and livelihoods of a third of our population without providing either facilities or compensation. While the arguments for government stability now are obvious, Olmert's initial haste coupled with the costly, tardy expanded invasion against the cease-fire clock probably blew his chances of staying on for long.
He is the best leader for us all.
If any one who wants to israel prime minster has to have one the best resume from the army.. such as mofaz, sharon and goes on.. Other wise .. man like olmert or Pretez should never allow to be a leader for state of isael.. israel is srounded by enemy.. so if any one is consider runing for PM .. he or she should know how to stand up and fight or defeat not embarce the state of isarel as Olmert and his friend Pertez..
Olmert is a war criminal and, if Israel does not think so, the most part of world thinks he deserves blame.
All those deaths just to lay the groundwork for the next round with a re-armed Hisbala that is thumbing its nose already. It is time for gutless Europe to stand up not just speak up.
Olmert is a disgrace not only to the israelis but to the human race. He is a war criminal and should be prosecuted for his actions. The only thing he succeeded in doing is the killing of civilians. And the only reason he did it is because he knew he can get away with it, as Sharon got away with his sabra and shatila massacre and Netanyahu with that of Qana in 1996.
I feel there is a genuine desire among most Israelis to see Lebanon prosper and do well. I always see people making distinctions between Hizbollah and the rest of the Lebanese on these message boards. But Hezbollah IS Lebanon. They are the largest minority. Israel cant just single them out from the rest of the country as bad guys. Peace has to be made with them as well. Besides after this war, the whole country has become Hizbollah. I dont think most Israelis realize the amount of damage done to Lebanon. Olmert needs to put down the sledge hammer and start working smart. Israel can not live like this forever. Today the surprise was rockets close to the border. Who knows what is brewing for the future?
You're versus your: - You're a good boy (you are a good boy) - Your shoes are shiny They're versus their versus there: - They're good friends (They are good friends) - There is a fly in my soup - Their car is red
YOU GO TO WAR TO WIN AND COME BACK, THAT WAS NOT THE CASE.DEFENCE MINISTER WHO DOES NOT KNOW MUCK TACTICAL STRATEGY AND PM WHO IS SOFT TO GIVE IN.NO WONDER THE ARABS DARE TO CALL US ""PAPER TIGER"". THEY SEE YOU OLMERT AND HALUTS, SHIMON PERES, YOSI BEILIN IYMAKH SHEMO, WHAT DO THEY SEE?? FOOLS.WE NEED BRAVE MEN AND WISE MEN TO LEAD ISRAEL , NOT MEN IN COMA.GOD BLESS OUR BRAVE BOYS, THEY WERE GIBORIM.
Of course Eldar wants Olmert to stay, because Olmert is close in his beliefs to Meretz's ideology.
To all those who want to kick Olmert out Remember! When Sharon became Prime Minister he declared that: "Things look different from here." and proceeded to change his polotics 180 degrees and evacuated Gaza. Maybe they're some information that, despite the well known ability of Israel to leak State secrets to the public, remain known only to Israeli leaders and that justify Olmert's decisions...
Israel should get used to the idea of losing wars. This is a new trend affecting not just Israel but also her main sponsors, the USA. The world is entering a new era, where power derives as much from justice, belief and dedication as it does from brute force. The US and Britain are floundering in Iraq and Afghanistan against fighters who are inferior in numbers and equipment, but superior in dedication, spirit and belief. Israel's defeat by Hizbullah follows precisely the same pattern, for exactly the same reasons.
Israel should get used to the idea of losing wars. This is a new trend affecting not just Israel but also her main sponsors, the USA. The world is entering a new era, where power derives as much from justice, belief and dedication as it does from brute force. The US and Britain are floundering in Iraq and Afghanistan against fighters who are inferior in numbers and equipment, but superior in dedication, spirit and belief. Israel's defeat by Hizbullah follows precisely the same pattern, for exactly the same reasons.
I know what not to think when reading an Eldar op-ed. The fact that we are fighting an enemy that is ideologically bent on the destruction of the Jewish State. Diplomacy is appeasement, peaceful solutions is accomplice to future aggression, victory is the only solution, for without victory there is no survival. You're paradigm is part of the pseudo progressive liberal elite that has brought Israel so much suffering and has failed this generation. Akiva either go to the North and see what you're paradigms have ellicited or go back to the ivory tower.
The sad truth is that yes, Olmert/Peretz/Livni/ Halutz have managed to establish a "new order in South Lebanon" - where Nasrallah/Hezbollah is the national hero, and with their country wide support, have every chance of taking full control in "democratic" Lebanon.
So when does Olmert change his name to Chamberlin. He should have gone all out. One this I know for sure is that when you go to war you either go all out or you dont go at all. Even the dimwitted Americans learned that lesson (ie Vietnam)so what was he thinking???
what an easy job, I am sure that all of you out there could easily have done better. Sure. Hamas fires rockets from the south? It never stops, now how shall we react? Everyone knows, right? But none of you have a clue of what you would do in the big guys combed over shoes. What about that drug trade. The Hezbollah has been controlling the heroine trade. The Drugs originate in Afghanistan, make their way through Iran, where they are magically processed and transformed in that wonder drug, heroine. Heroine was introduced to the world by the German pharmaceutical "Bayer", the aspirin people. Following WWI, doctors were faced with pain-suffering soldier-patients who had become addicted to Morphine. Bayer in 1919 claimed that they had come up with a pain-killer that is not addictive, "Heroine". Nice. In 1922 Heroine was pulled from the toy shelf, deemed to be more addictive than morphine. Today the Iran-Lebanon silk route is suffering, or is it?
Despite all the critisism by the war-enthusiastic Israeli public Olmert has done the only reasonable thing in accepting the cease- fire. If Israel had refused (once again) to accept a U.N. resolution, why on earth should Iran obey to it ?? Without Olmerts wisdom Israel would be seen today by many people in one bed with countrys like North Korea, Iran, Zimbabwe, Belorussia or Burma........
You can't bully anymore with arrogatn power. Stop killing and talk about peace now as it is last chance and solution is return of occupied land.
Those who took us into a destructive and misplaced adventure (pushing both Lebanon AND Israel back years) and spun us the story that they had "no choice" because their own limited worldview did not allow them to see or consider other choices, should now resign. There are always other choices - we are not automatons. Those who act without thinking, out of some primitive militaristic reflex action, should now resign - they should have no choice!
"He appears to have learned that it is important to reach peace agreements with those neighbors who are interested in leading normal lives - even if this requires giving up "victory,"" Whether he has learned or not is unclear. But his performance and its results may have taught this lesson to others.
We hav Won, the hezbollah is weakened, and maybe just maybe the Lebanese will figure out that Nasrallah is not interested in their welfare. the Lebanese governemnt has to take control and begin to take care of it's people. Leaving no stupid cracks for the Hezbollah to fill. Disarm these mafia thugs. Let them go back to being citizens of Lebanon, Not the overseers. I am very proud of our brave men that fought and for those who gave their lives, in the name of Peace. Peace unto you alls Tonite take a look at the stars, feel your presence on this planet. Peer into your child's eyes and pray for peace.
This is rubbish. Olmert is bully nothing more. He is the one who pushed Sharon into uprooting the thousands of Jewish families in Gaza, did the same in Amona , but this time didn't have Sharon to hide behind and it was a terrible scene, without proper planning and excessive force against Jewish brethren , and tried to do the same with Hizbollah. But Hizbollah showed him that he is not as meek as the Jews in Amona and gave him afight. His emergence in the war was a spontaneous move no planning , no thinking, and even if you are right didn't mean that you are wise. The war was totally legitimate. It will repeat itself in the near future. But who runs recklessly into such a war with so many casualties. Last week Olmert realized his predicament and was actually begging Condoleeza Rice to come with some excuse called a cease fire to he can retreat. The last 48 hours bringinmg in hundreds of troops, was a futile attempt to call it a victory . But that was also a blunder , and it's
Because of the very nature of our country, we need a leader who has extensive knowledge of the military. Ehud Olmert is a good hearted man, unfortunately he lacks the knowledge needed to run our country. So does Peretz by the way.
Having led Israel to a humiliating defeat, Olmert will forever be a hostage of the right. They will always raise question marks about his ability to lead another war. He will never be able to implement any withdrawals from Palestinian territories, because he is so badly undermined. If he wants to see progress on peace, he should go soon.
What else can happen and thje people of israel will remain indifferent??? This Troika: Olmert-Peretz-Livni did not deliver what the people of israel needed.: Security. They must go, the soonest will be the better. It is a tragedy that they did not evaluate the dangers from the north and just behaved like unexperienced leaders during this whole tragic weeks of fightings. THEY MUST GO. please do not support them, you will be making more sins.
The IDF was not defeated by Hezbollah but it's reputation and effectiveness have been harmed by the Olmert Administration. It was held back from doing the job that was necessary and Hezbollah is still armed for a future round. The lesson that must be learned here is that there is no substitute for victory.
Mr Eldar thinks that Olmert should stay. In case he doesn't, its no big problem. He prepared Seniora to be his succesor.
Akiva couldn't be further off center...Israel should have been prepared for all out war and destruction of hazbolah or she should have negotiated for release of the soldiers...but now this war will have to be fought again because the arabs feel strong and that they can win over the mighty Israeli army...Eli
It's not for us to decide what Olmert should do...It's your interior politic problem. But i can say that you didn't relise any goal in lebanon... Hiz is strong and he will stay to be, resistance will stay under litanis line because she is issue from the lebaneese people... Your twoo soldiers still are in lebanon... The only goal you realise is detructing our lebanon. And after one month of stupid war, Olmert accept to exchange his soldiers... It was Nasrallah wish since the 12/07/06. Shame on your dirigents.
Hezbollah must be defeated at all costs. This is not for Israel?s security alone but for the entire world. The problems caused by Islamic terrorism will not go away with kindness and love. Those who advocate this childish thesis are fools and have no understanding of Islam and the Muslim mind. Muslims interpret kindness as weakness; they become emboldened and increase their aggression. America committed a grave mistake not to retaliate the bombing of 1983 in Lebanon. This was a clear message to the Jihadists that America is weak, that it will cut and run when attacked, and that the Americans have no guts to fight. This brought more attacks on U.S. Had the U.S. destroyed Hezbollah at that time, killing hundreds of them then, we would not be facing this problem today and certainly Osama Bin Laden would not have dared to attack America in September 11, 2001. Islamic terrorism will only be stopped if defeated. Killing the terrorists is kindness to masses of Muslims. Muslim mind works in a peculiar way. They go where the power is. If we let the terrorists win, the masses of Muslims will side with them. Jihad is an obligation for every Muslim. But Jihad can be postponed until Muslims are strong enough to win it. If we let the terrorists win, we are sending the message to the masses of Muslims that we are weak and the time of jihad has come. So rise and kill us. The Muslim terrorists know that. That is why they are bombing and killing so indiscriminately. They have to prove to the masses of Muslims that they are winning. They know that if they can show that they are winning, they will have millions of Muslims joining them and Jihad will be unleashed.
I had faith in him. This situation didn't have to be a "quagmire". From its beginning, this war should have been conducted on a full scale. As General Adam wished.
Yes, We won. It took Israel finally taking the war seriously to do it, but we have won. Sadly we lost many brave and creative young men. We miss the life in their eyes. Hezbollah was a fine fighting force. Their tactics should be deemed "War Crimes" hiding behind their daughters, and doctoring the media. But they fought hard, and now they have to conquer their humiliation and find honor in having making peace. Is this beyound them? Are these folks, who grew up in madrases, trained in Iran and fed the bitter fruit of humiliation and Shiite psycho-dynamics capable of making peace? the agreement calls for all militias to disarm. Will the Hezbollah finally disarm. 1979 Arab League called for the disarming of all malitias in Lebanon. 2000 UN calls for disarming of Hezbollah 2006 UN again calls for disarming of the Hezbollah. Israel is always being condemned for showing it's bum to the UN and their resolutions, I wonder why?
Olmert must stay.
Omert should stay. If not, Israel has lost the war.
What a surprise!