Pressure mounts on Olmert to resign

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_army

JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz came under renewed pressure to resign Wednesday after the Israeli army's chief of staff stepped down in the wake of the flawed Lebanon war. The sudden departure of Israel's top military official, Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, delivered another setback to the prime minister, whose popularity has plummeted following last summer's war and a string of political scandals. On Tuesday, Israel's attorney general opened a criminal probe into Olmert's role in a 2005 bank privatization.

Halutz stepped down after dozens of internal inquiries into the monthlong Lebanon war found widespread problems in the military's performance. Halutz had previously rejected calls to resign, despite the growing loss of confidence of his political superiors and subordinates in the army.

With Halutz on his way out, critics quickly clamored for the heads of the country's other wartime leaders, Olmert and Peretz.

"The war clearly was mismanaged, and when a war is clearly mismanaged, there is no doubt the chief of staff is responsible," said opposition lawmaker Ran Cohen, a former high-ranking military officer. "The responsibility is shared by him, the prime minister and the defense minister, and sooner or later, they, too, will have to leave."

Neither Olmert nor Peretz publicly addressed the demands for their resignation. Olmert made a routine appearance at parliament, sparring with lawmakers over unrelated domestic issues and promising to appoint a new military chief within days. Peretz said he would begin interviewing candidates for the vacant military post immediately.

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[dbeach]

but its 2 war machines joined at the weaponized hip

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm

[meganmonkey]

For a slightly different perspective than AP...
--------------------------------


Israeli PM faces calls to resign
Israeli opposition politicians have called on PM Ehud Olmert and his defence minister to resign.

This follows the resignation of the head of Israel's armed forces, Lt Gen Dan Halutz, over the handling of the conflict in Lebanon.

Mr Olmert and Amir Peretz should share the blame for failures in the conflict with the militant Hezbollah movement in 2006, the opposition figures said.

Gen Halutz said he was taking responsibility for the mistakes made.

The conflict ended without Israel achieving its main aim, the release of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah in a cross border raid into Israel.

The Lebanese militant group described Gen Halutz's resignation as proof of its victory over Israel.

Inside Israel, the focus of blame is shifting from the military towards the government.

"The chief of staff's resignation officially confirms the failure of the Lebanon war and compels the prime minister and the defence minister to stop holding on to their positions and resign from their posts," said Yisrael Katz of the right-wing opposition Likud.

Gen Halutz said he wanted to assume his "responsibilities" after a war which has been widely criticised for failing to crush the anti-Israel militia.

A military inquiry is now over, but the government's handling of the 34-day conflict is still being investigated.

The resignation is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mr Olmert.

Hours before Gen Halutz made his announcement, the justice ministry ordered a criminal investigation into Mr Olmert's role in the privatisation of the country's second largest bank in 2005.

more...


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6271545.stm