Former Supreme Court Justice Eliyahu Winograd, one of the most prominent legal experts in Israel, died on Friday at the age of 91.
Winograd was best known for heading the state commission of inquiry into the 2006 Second Lebanon War. His findings harshly criticized the conduct of the government and the military, most notably those of then-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Amir Peretz and IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz.
Born in Tel Aviv in 1926, Winograd held a doctorate in law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He served as a lieutenant in the IDF's Military Advocate General Corps, which he left in 1950, and after a solid career in the private sector, he was appointed as president of the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court in 1972.
He was promoted to president of the Tel Aviv District court five years later, a role he held for seven years. In 1987, he was appointed an acting Supreme Court justice, a position he held for a year.
Winograd spent 24 years as a judge and retired in 1996, becoming an arbitrator and mediator, mostly in municipal law. He chaired numerous public commissions, but it was his role in the investigation of the 2006 Second Lebanon War that made him a household name.
President Reuven Rivlin eulogized Winograd, saying he was "a man of law and justice whose understanding and concern for the security of Israel were astounding. His contribution to the State of Israel is unmeasurable."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent the family his condolences, saying Winograd had "contributed greatly to the Israeli judiciary."
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said, "Winograd was fearless. He gained immense public and professional trust, and in all his years as a judge he was guided solely by the pursuit of the truth."
Defense Minister Avigdor Liebermann said Winograd was "a beacon of judicial integrity, whose contribution to Israel's security was enormous. The reports authored by the public committees he chaired will continue to guide us in the future."
Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid called Winograd "a man of justice and righteousness. His legacy will stay with us for many years to come."
Winograd's wife, Yocheved, died in 2003. He is survived by three children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was laid to rest on Sunday afternoon at Ramat Hasharon Cemetery.
