OLMERT DECIDES TO INVESTIGATE HIMSELF!

Previously the Hedgehog noted the hesitancy of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to appoint a commision to investigate the performance of his government and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the recent combat operations in Lebanon. One may argue that this development operates in Olmert's favor--it proves that he does not only hestitate in military matters; it's a general trait. Dry Bones anticipates the results of the IDF investigation above.

Meanwhile, back in the Knesset, Prime Minister Olmert decided that the proper body to investigate his government is (drum roll) his government. He appointed his own commission. (Actually, at least one of the commissioners nominated by Olmert, Law Professor Ruth Gavison, would be a very good, and very independent-minded, choice.) His reasoning is that an independent "state" commission would distract attention from the real threat facing Israel, which is Iran. Even if that were a logical progression of thought, and it is not, it is difficult to understand why an independent "state" commission would interfere with the Israel's efforts to deal with Iran more than a government investigation. If anything, I would think it would be the opposite--having an independent commission conducting the investigation would allow the government to better devote its attention to the Iranian threat. However, one questions whether Israel will be able to address the Iranian threat, the Syrian threat, the Hezbollah threat, the Hamas threat or any other threat successfully until it constitutionally removes the more immediate threat of Mr. Olmert's failed leadership.

Happily, Mr. Olmert's proposal to investigate himself is earning the brickbats that it deserves right across the Israeli political spectrum, as reported here in the Jerusalem Post. The fact that many of the critical voices come from the Labor Party is just one of several indicators that Labor may be preparing to bolt the Kadima-led coalition government of Prime Minister Olmert. If so, Labor might join with the rightist and religious nationalist parties in a vote of no confidence in Olmert's government, leading to new elections.