Israeli Report on War Slams Olmert

— A government commission on Monday aimed harsh criticism at Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other officials for their handling of last summer's war in Lebanon. The main findings:

_ "Some of the declared goals of the war were not clear and could not be achieved..."

_ "The decision to respond with an immediate, intensive military strike (to the capture of two soldiers) was not based on a detailed, comprehensive and authorized military plan..."

_ "The primary responsibility for these serious failings rests with the prime minister, the defense minister and the (outgoing) chief of staff. ... had any of them acted better, the decisions in the relevant period and the ways they were made, as well as the outcome of the war, would have been significantly better."

On Olmert:

_ "The prime minister made up his mind hastily, despite the fact that no detailed military plan was submitted to him and without asking for one."

_ Olmert "made a personal contribution to the fact that the declared goals were overambitious and not feasible."

_ "All of these add up to a serious failure in exercising judgment, responsibility and prudence."

On Defense Minister Amir Peretz:

_ "The defense minister did not have knowledge or experience in military, political or governmental matters."

_ "Therefore, his serving as minister of defense during the war impaired Israel's ability to respond well to its challenges."

On Dan Halutz, military chief of staff during the war:

_ "When the abduction happened, he responded impulsively."

_ "The chief of staff led them to believe that the (military) was ready and prepared and had operational plans fitting the situation."

_ "In all these, the chief of staff failed in his duties ... and exhibited flaws in professionalism, responsibility and judgment."