Tel Aviv, Aug 24, SPA -- In a letter to the troops, Israel's military chief acknowledged publicly for the first time Thursday that there were shortcomings in the military's performance during the recent Lebanon war. Israel went into the month long war as a united frontagainst Hezbollah fighters, but since the fighting endedlast week, the country has splintered into a cacophony ofreproachful voices. Criticism of the military's preparedness and tacticsswelled after the battles ended without a clear cut victoryfor Israel. Questions about the wisdom of 11th-hour battles and reports of food and water shortages have fueled demands for a state inquiry into the war's conduct and the resignation of Israel's wartime leaders. In a letter to Israeli fighters, military chief Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz wrote: «Alongside the achievements, thefighting uncovered shortcomings in various areas _logistical, operational and command. We are committed to a thorough, honest, rapid and complete investigation of all the shortcomings and successes.» «Questions will be answered professionally, and everyone will be investigated _ from me down to the last soldier,» according to the letter, released by the military Thursday, the Associated Press reported.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/384689