Israel\’s defense establishment accepts the criticism handed by a report by State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss concerning the Israeli army\’ said of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Wednesday.
Barak\’s statement came following the release of Lindenstrauss\’s report, which criticized the defense minister, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for preparing for the May 2010 takeover in superficial manner.
In a statement released later in the day, Barak\’s office said the defense minister "accepts the criticism, and will act, as in the past, ensure that the defense establishment and the IDF amend all that requires mending."
"That\’s what should be done, and what will be done," the statement added.
In another response to report, the IDF Spokesman\’s Office said that the army was "committed to a full cooperation with the report\’s authors, and to meticulously study its findings."
"It should be noted that immediately following the flotilla, and without waiting any other body, the IDF was worked extensively to an investigation encompassing all aspects, out of a real desire to learn the lessons and quickly implement them," the IDF said.
The IDF also cited the Turkel Commission, saying the panel had already ruled that the IDF\’s operation was "justified according to international humanitarian law, and that the vessels\’ seizure was legal."
Also responding to the report\’s release, Opposition Leader Shelly Yacimovich called the document "a grave report, which exposes a smug prime minister, who takes decisions alone and with Defense Minister Barak, in process lacking responsibility and filled with excess confidence."
"Not only didn\’t Netanyahu\’s and Barak\’s extensive experience aid them, but it probably led them to believe that they can lead the country by themselves, as a couple and in private, without sufficient knowledge and without looking tin alternatives," Yacimovich added.
The Labor chairwoman also said that it was "a shame that the price of complacency and arrogance was paid by the navy commandos, who, counter to their leaders, acted bravely, resourcefully, and with mutual responsibility for one another."