Israel sacks war critic general

The sacked general had criticised Gen Halutz (left) strongly

A top Israeli general has been sacked by the army chief for criticising the way the military conducted the recent war in Lebanon in media interviews.

Maj Gen Yiftah Ron-Tal was fired by Lt Gen Dan Halutz for breaching the ban on Israeli troops making public comments on political and diplomatic issues.

Gen Ron-Tal said Gen Halutz must "accept responsibility" for what he said was the "failure" of the war.

He also criticised Israel's unilateral pull-out from Gaza last year.

Gen Ron-Tal gave the unauthorised interviews to local media on Wednesday.

He was the commander of Israeli ground forces and had been due to retire from the army in December.

More than 1,100 people - mostly civilians - were killed in Lebanon during the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah militants that ended in August.

More than 150 Israelis - mainly soldiers - were killed.