Guardian: Israel faces domestic backlash over conflict

David Fickling and agencies
Friday August 11, 2006
Guardian Unlimited

The Israeli government was today facing growing discontent at home over its handling of the war in Lebanon.

Polls revealing plummeting support for Ehud Olmert's government came as at least 13 people died in air strikes on Lebanon and Hizbullah continued rocket attacks on northern Israel.

Members of the rightwing Likud party called for fresh elections amid signs of a growing rift between the Israeli government and elements of its military leadership.

Antiwar elements of the Israeli left have also voiced their opposition over recent days

Divisions over the war have intensified since a meeting of the security cabinet on Wednesday, in which differences emerged between Mr Olmert and the military chief, Dan Halutz, as well as between the defence minister, Amir Peretz, and his predecessor, Shaul Mofaz.

...

A poll published in Israel's Ha'aretz newspaper showed approval ratings for Mr Olmert's government had fallen to 48% from 75% in the opening stages of the war.

A similar poll in Yedioth Ahronoth showed approval ratings falling from 73% to 66%.

The influential political commentator Ari Shavit wrote in Ha'aretz that Mr Olmert had "failed shamefully" and should resign. "You cannot lead an entire nation to war promising victory, produce humiliating defeat and remain in power," he said.

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:kick:

dying in large numbers Olmert wuold feel the wrath of Israelis. Knowing that scumbag, he'll refocus on the ailing Sharon by evening.

Thanks!

:blush: