Report on Lebanon War Slams Olmert

Report critical of Lebanon war may doom Israeli PM

(NEWSER) - Ehud Olmert may be forced out of office to avoid dragging the Kadima party down with him, Haaretz reports. Quoting a senior party official, the newspaper says the Israeli Prime Minister may resign this summer as part of the fallout from a government report on the run-up to and conduct of last summer’s war in Lebanon. More»

Foreign minister defies him ahead of Lebanon war conclusions

(NEWSER) - In three days, Israel's Winograd Committee will release its long-awaited findings on the abortive 2006 war with Lebanon, and the expected drubbing will increase calls for PM Ehud Olmert to resign, Haaretz reports. Foreign minister Tzipi Livni is meeting today with families of fallen soldiers who are calling for Olmert's departure—angering the PM and setting up a battle for control of government. More»

(NEWSER) - A massive demonstration in Tel Aviv yesterday amplified the cry for Israel's PM Ehud Olmert to resign. Tens of thousands of Israelis packed into Rabin Square to denounce Olmert's handling of last year's Lebanon War, in the wake of the highly critical Winograd Commission report. Polls are showing three quarters of Israelis want their PM out. More»

Hezbollah hails swap as evidence of its growing power

(NEWSER) - Israeli officials today approved a prisoner swap with Hezbollah to release the bodies of two soldiers whose capture triggered a 2006 war, Reuters reports. In return, Hezbollah secured the freedom of five gunmen, including one of Israel’s “most notorious convicts,” the New York Times says. Israeli PM Ehud Olmert said he “vacillated deeply” over the deal, which Hezbollah touted as a victory. More»

Disputed sliver along border on table; offer follows Rice visit to region

(NEWSER) - Israel today invited the Lebanese government to direct negotiations, adding that it would be willing to discuss all issues, including a long-disputed area along their border, the New York Times reports. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who visited both nations earlier this week, is attempting to use negotiation over Shabaa Farms to kick-start wider talks. More»