Defiant Olmert tells Israelis he won't resign

Jerusalem, May 1: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Israelis he would not resign but would work to correct mistakes after an official report today sharply criticised his decision to go to war in Lebanon last year.

''It would not be right to quit and I have no intention of doing so,'' he said in a brief televised address to the nation.

''This government made the decisions and this government will deal with correcting the defects.'' The report by the Winograd commission said Olmert bore ''supreme and comprehensive responsibility'' for the government decisions and army operations, and that the Israeli leadership made flawed and hasty decisions regarding the war.

Olmert's approval ratings plunged to single digits after the inconclusive 34-day war ended with a ceasefire in August.

''This is a severe and difficult report and mistakes were made,'' the Israeli prime minister said. ''There were failures among the main decision-makers and I lead them. We must draw lessons. We must correct defects and there are many.'' ''I plan to act to correct all that needs fixing thoroughly and fast,'' Olmert said, adding that his cabinet would convene on Wednesday and appoint a committee to examine the report.

Reuters>