More than eight months after it was decided to investigate the war conduct of Israel’s political and military leadership during the Second Lebanon War, the Winograd Committee will release its interim report at 4:00pm on Monday.

The partial report will delve into the situation created along Israel’s northern border following the army’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000 and provide an overview of the country’s actions in the years leading up to the war as Hezbollah continued garnered strength.

Meanwhile, opposition forces from both ends of the political spectrum were quick to call for Olmert’s resignation.

Likud chairman, MK Benjamin Netanyahu, and Meretz chairman, MK Yossi Beilin, met secretly on Friday to discuss the report and the political agenda it would create. The two discussed the possibility of elections and agreed that Olmert must not remain in power.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will meet with members of the Kadima faction on Monday at 6:45 p.m. in order to discuss the findings of the Winograd interim report which is set to be given to him at 4 p.m., one hour prior to its release to the public.

In the meeting, Olmert will discuss ways in which to react to the report on the mistakes of the Second Lebanon War and brief the ministers on the reactions to the press after its publication.

Israel Radio reported that Olmert was expected to adopt the findings of the report but did not intend to resign.

The committee, appointed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in September 2006, will continue its work and issue its complete report in the summer.

(Source: Jerusalem Post)