Israel PM vows to stay despite criticism

Source: CCTV.com | 05-02-2007 10:10

The Israeli Prime Minister has continued with work as usual, despite widespread calls for his resignation. Ehud Olmert is under pressure to step down, after the release of a report severely criticizing his conduct during Israel's war last year in Lebanon. Tuesday's resignation of a cabinet minister has dealt another blow to Olmert's administration. Pei Jian has more.

Olmert has declared he will not quit despite the inquiry's conclusion that he showed flawed judgment in ordering and directing the war in Lebanon. On Tuesday morning, he appointed a new chief of police, Dudi Cohen, at his office in Jerusalem.

Monday's report by the Winograd Commission listed severe failings on the part of Olmert and his cabinet. Even though it stopped short of recommending that Olmert step down, the report said the Prime Minister should bear responsibility for launching the war against Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon.

The resignation of a junior minister from the Labor Party dealt another blow to Olmert on Tuesday. Eitan Cabel resigned from the Cabinet to protest against the government's failure in the war. And he's called on the Prime Minister to follow his example.

"Ehud Olmert was clearly responsible for the war failures according to the committee. Ehud Olmert must resign. He must bear responsibility, responsibility he cannot share with others. I can no longer sit in a government led by Ehud Olmert," says Eitan Cabel, former cabinet minister.

But for now at least, Olmert's job seems secure. Despite the public uproar, he remains at the head of a broad coalition government with the Kadima and Labor parties.

Olmert confidants say only mass protests or an uprising within his Kadima Party can force the Prime Minister out of office.

There were no protests outside Olmert's office on Tuesday, but demonstrators from across the country are expected to rally later in the day. They'll walk to Tel Aviv, where a mass demonstration by opponents is scheduled for Thursday.

Editor:Chen Ge