Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Government disarray

Extraordinary events are happening in this country that almost defy understanding. In the wake of the Second Lebanon War, that many agree was a disaster for Israel, several committees were established to investigate aspects of the war. However, no official Government Commission was established, since its findings would have been binding on the Government. Instead, among the several Committees, there was a division of labor, so that they would not overlap and cover the same topics. Committees of the Knesset and IDF covered specific military matters, the Winograd Committee was given the main task of covering the strategic and operational aspects of the war, and the Comptroller General was tasked with covering the home front during the war. This was no small matter since you will remember that the north of the country was hit by 1400 missiles during the war and was brought to a virtual standstill with a million inhabitants either fleeing or inside shelters.
Apparently, the Comptroller General Micha Lindenstrauss received cooperation from all authorities that he contacted, except for the Prime Minister and the IDF Chiefs. PM Olmert gave testimony before the Winograd Committee, but ignored requests for information and appearance before Lindenstrauss. After several requests and waiting 14 weeks, the CG decided to issue his report. However, this is illegal without allowing those named in the report to have time to see it and respond.
A group of interested people brought a case before the Supreme Court to prevent the CG issuing his Report that was heard Tuesday morning, and the SC found that he could not reveal names and lay blame. So he backed off, but issued a preliminary description of the report in a manner in which nobody was named and no specific blame was placed. However, he confirmed that the report concludes that the Government was essentially frozen and did almost nothing to help the inhibitants of the north. They were mostly aided by local municipalities and private organizations and groups. Apparently the Report is damning to Olmert, or alternatively according to Kadima and Olmert supporters, Lindenstrauss is using the Report to attack and undermine the PM. Lindenstrasuss of course proclaims that he is politically neutral.
Today Lindenstrauss appeared before the Committee of the Knesset that he reports to, and issued his preliminary findings. When those who have not yet responded, including the PM, have had time to respond, if they want to, he will then issue his final report, naming names and placing blame. This could lead to the fall of the Olmert Government.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet met on Tuesday, but an extrordinary scene ensued over a discussion of an unrelated matter, the non-payment of workers salaries by some municipalities (mostly Arab). PM Olmert, who of course chairs the Cabinet meeting, told Defense Minister Peretz that he could not speak. Peretz apparently became incensed and lost control and started shouting and cursing the PM. Olmert then lost his cool and started shouting back. The meeting was adjourned for 10 mins while they regained their composure. This altercation may be because both of them are feeling the heat. According to internal Labor Party Polls, Peretz would come last with maybe single digit figures in the upcoming Labor Party leadership elections. Olmert is under great pressure not only from Lindenstruass, but because his own support figures are also very low. What a mess!

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