Israel investigates war 'mistakes'

By foreign affairs editor Peter Cave in Jerusalem

An Israeli Cabinet meeting has authorised a commission of inquiry into the failures of the war with Hezbollah.

Defence Minister Amir Peretz says Israel will examine the mistakes it made during the month-long offensive.

A government official briefing reporters on the weekly Cabinet meeting quoted Mr Peretz as saying everything would be put on the table at the inquiry because it was a duty to prepare for the next round.

He said Israel would prevent the Lebanese Army from deploying within two kilometres of the border before the multinational peacekeeping force was in place.

The Lebanese Army has already deployed at several points along the border but a military spokeswoman later clarified the Minister's statement, saying he was referring to those border posts currently still under Israeli control.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military chief says the war was a victory, but not a knock-out.

General Dan Halutz told the meeting the Army would investigate everything that happened during the war.

"We have nothing to hide," he said.

The military chief has been under pressure in recent weeks, not only over his failure to effectively neutralise Hezbollah, but also for his decision to sell off his stock portfolio just hours before ordering the attack on Lebanon.

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