AL QUDS, Jan 17: Israel's military chief quit on Wednesday over the failures of the Lebanon war, in a second blow to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s increasingly unpopular government after a graft probe was launched.

In what several newspapers called an ‘earthquake’, Lieutenant-General Dan Halutz became the most senior head to roll over last year’s war against Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia, which has been bitterly criticised in Israel.

“I have accomplished the objective that was set for me at the end of the Lebanon war, which was to study and learn the lessons from what transpired,” wrote Halutz, 58, in his letter of resignation.

“I consider under the conditions it is my duty to resign my office immediately.”He went on to tell military chiefs of staff on Wednesday that he had “no intention of packing up my desk and leaving in a rush,” adding: “I intend to ensure an orderly transition for my replacement.”

Defense Minister Amir Peretz said Halutz would remain in his post until a successor is named.

Mr Olmert, scraping the bottom of public opinion ratings, said a successor would be chosen in the coming days after consultations with former prime ministers, defense ministers, chiefs of staff, the foreign minister and the opposition in parliament.

“I very much regret the chief of staff's resignation,” he said.

Halutz resigned just hours after Israel’s chief prosecutor ordered a criminal investigation against Olmert.—AFP