Bar-On slams Mofaz over war inquiry

Criticizes transport minister for declaring support for state commission.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
mofaz .298.88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
mofaz .298.88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Interior Minister Roni Bar-On slammed Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz on Monday for supporting a state commission of inquiry into the shortcomings of the war in Lebanon, saying that he was supporting the inquiry out of ulterior motives. "If this decision would have been made at the beginning, I could have accepted it, but once it comes after this long and exhausting account it seems like a type of manipulation and not an honest choice," Bar-On told Army Radio. Bar-on claimed that a state commission of inquiry would not lead to a true investigation and would cause those involved to shirk responsibility, to hide the facts and to blame others. Close sources to Prime Minster Ehud Olmert harshly criticized Mofaz following his decision to support a state commission. "Mofaz will be interrogated first if such a commission is set up," said a Prime Minister's Office official. "He does not understand anything about politics and he would be the first out the door if there is a renewed allocation of government ministries." On Sunday, Mofaz said that he was joining those calling for a state commission of inquiry. The transport minister said he was urging the establishment of such an inquiry in order to restore the public's confidence in Israel's leaders. "It should not be delayed further - a state commission of inquiry needs to be established to examine the events of the war," Mofaz had said.