Israel's military chief admits Lebanon war failings

Israel’s military chief has admitted for the first time that there were shortcomings in the military’s performance during the recent Lebanon war, it was reported today.

Criticism of the military’s preparedness and tactics swelled as the month-long fighting dragged on, then ended without a clear-cut victory for Israel.

Questions about the wisdom of 11th-hour battles and reports of food and water shortages have fuelled demands for a state inquiry into the war’s conduct and the resignation of Israel’s wartime leaders.

In a letter to Israeli fighters, military chief Lieutenant General Dan Halutz wrote that “alongside the achievements, the fighting uncovered shortcomings in various areas – logistical, operational and command.

"We are committed to a thorough, honest, rapid and complete investigation of all the shortcomings and successes”.

“Questions will be answered professionally, and everyone will be investigated - from me down to the last soldier,” the Haaretz newspaper quoted the letter from Halutz.

Prime minister Ehud Olmert is expected to decide within days what sort of inquiry to conduct into the war. The most sweeping inquiry would be a state commission, with powers to dismiss government and military officials.