Families of Israelis killed in last year's war in Lebanon held a memorial ceremony at the national military cemetery on Monday, but Prime Minister Ehud Olmert did not attend, drawing harsh criticism.The war cost Olmert most of his popular support and could yet cost him his job. Two other wartime leaders who have already been forced out of office — ex-Defense Minister Amir Peretz and ousted army chief of staff Dan Halutz — joined the gathering Monday at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl cemetery.
Peretz's replacement as defense minister, Ehud Barak, gave his first major address since taking office June 19. He implied criticism of the war, noting that families of fallen soldiers always ask questions after a conflict: "Was it necessary? Was there any other way? Did politicians do everything, everything, to prevent the casualties? Was the army ready?"
He said the "inquisitive" Israeli society "demands answers to these questions."
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