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Israelis gather during a demonstration to demand a government inquiry into Israel's recent war with Hezbollah, in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Saturday. (AP)
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| By Israel Insider staff and partners September 10, 2006 |
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More than 30,000 demonstrators came to Tel Aviv's Kikar Rabin on Saturday evening to demand the establishment of a full-blown state commission of inquiry, rather than a governmental inquiry, into the government's handling of the second Lebanon war.
The rally was the largest public show of dissatisfaction with Olmert since he took office in May. Polls show his popularity has tumbled amid public frustration with Israel's failure to crush Hezbollah guerrillas.
The event was organized by IDF reservists groups, which have been demanding action - including high-level resignations - from cabinet ministers to correct what they see as failures in strategic and logistical planning that hindered the army's ability to wage the war. The Movement for Quality Government (MQG) joined the reservists in organizing the event.
"We must do soul-searching, examine ourselves and 'purify the camp,'" MQG Chairman Eliad Shraga told the protesters, setting the tone for a series of angry speakers.
Carrying signs reading, among others, 'What is there to hide?', 'Conscience demands inquiry' and 'State, state, state', protestors demonstrated their disapprobation of Olmert's investigative efforts thus far.
The Baltam Forum ? representing reserve soldiers ? demands a formal renewal of standards of training and equipage of reserve soldiers, as well as the creation of an annual training program for all reserve units.
"We demand that a commission be formed and that a reserves law be legislated to formalize these things. We want a state commission of inquiry led by a senior judge. A commission that has the necessary jurisdiction to investigate the past and the present and to act for the future," said Roi Ron, Chairman of the Baltam Forum.
Organizers said they were happy with the turnout, though some protests against past governments have been much bigger.
The protest came a week after thousands gathered in the same spot to rally in support of the three IDF soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hizbullah.
Among the speakers in Tel Aviv were leaders of both left and right-wing parties opposed to Olmert's centrist Kadima. They formed an odd alliance of those who supported the war and those who wanted to end it sooner.
Protest leader Eliad Shraga said, "We hope to open the prime minister's eyes," to force him to name an independent commission of inquiry headed by a Supreme Court justice to investigate the army's failings.
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