Israelis want independent probe into war: Poll

Jerusalem, Aug 31: Most Israelis want an independent investigation into the Lebanon war, an opinion poll showed today, putting further pressure on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert who has ordered a low-level inquiry instead.

Olmert on Monday announced two committees would look into the handling of the war against Hizbollah, rejecting a full state probe headed by a retired judge that could have led to resignations in the government and military.

Some cabinet ministers have criticised the decision and urged a state inquiry. Olmert will seek a vote on his decision at a cabinet meeting yesterday and is likely to get agreement despite the misgivings, one political source said.

A poll of 500 people commissioned by Israel Radio said 64 per cent of Israelis wanted a full, independent inquiry into the government's conduct, the army's preparedness and its failure to crush a relatively small guerrilla force.

Olmert has acknowledged shortcomings in the way the 34-day campaign against Hizbollah was pursued but said he did not wish to expose the army to a drawn-out investigation.

A shaky ceasefire came into effect on August. 14.

The poll also showed poor support for Olmert in his centrist Kadima party.

Some 39 per cent of Kadima voters would prefer Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to be the party's candidate for Prime Minister over Olmert if new elections were held. Only 15 per cent would choose Olmert, while 46 per cent were undecided.

Despite calls for his resignation over the Lebanon war and a series of government scandals, many political analysts expect Olmert to survive for now, partly because there is no alternative leader waiting in the wings.

There is also little appetite for new elections so soon after polls in March.

The Lebanon war began on July 12 when Hizbollah guerrillas captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid.

REUTERS