The government on Sunday ratified a bill granting aid and support to Israel Defense Forces officers in cases where they face suits for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza. "Israel will give full support to everyone who operated for it and on behalf of it. The commanders and soldiers who were sent to Gaza need to know that they are safe from various tribunals," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced at the opening of the weekly cabinet meeting. The bill, titled "strengthening the IDF's hand after Operation Cast Lead", was put forward by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and coordinated by the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Justice and State Prosecutor. There is growing concern at the Defense Ministry and the Ministry of Justice that Israeli officers will be singled out in a wave of suits for alleged human rights violations during the recent 3-week offensive against Hamas. "The terrorist organizations and Hamas were mistaken in thinking that Israel would reconcile itself to [rocket] fire and not respond," Olmert added. "Now after the operation, the organizations are trying to settle accounts with the State of Israel, and one of the central arenas in which they are doing so is the arena of international law, by means of the moralistic diplomatic tact that characterizes these groups." Defense Minister Ehud Barak joined Olmert in pledging support for the soldiers. Calling the IDF "the most moral army in the world," Barak said troops would receive governmental backing against accusations from abroad and "self-flagellation" from within Israel. Olmert added that terror organizations are trying to turn attacker into attacked and vice-versa by pinning responsibility on IDF soldiers instead of blaming terrorism. He said also said Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann would consult with Israel's top legal experts and find "answers to possible questions relating to the Israeli military's activities" during the campaign. More than 1,250 Palestinians were reportedly killed during Israel's offensive against Hamas in the coastal territory. Israel has been harshly criticized for the large number of civilians among the Palestinian dead, of whom they numbered more than half according to Gaza officials. Source: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1058509.html
It will run along for while ..........then there will be cover-up ...........then it will be forgotten
At least they accept inquiries into the alleged war crimes, granting legal aid to IDF troops does not meant a cover up. It showed a willingness for Israel to face the music.
One of the most bothersome aspects of the Gaza invasion, for me, apart from the human suffering, is the precedent that this sets for other nations who have troublesome minorities or border populations. If the actions of the IDF over the last few weeks are deemed legal and acceptable, it seems that other nations will not be deterred by world opinion and the possibility of answering for these acts in court. That IDF stands by its operatives unconditionally is a yet another sign that the government is out of control, even by US standard. For example, the officers responsible for the Malai massacre faced court martial and internal condemnation by the army. I will say this, though: standing by the soldiers who did your dirty work is more courageous than scapegoating them. In the end, though, Israel has a point to prove about its perogative to discipline its neighbors. Unfortunately, this right does not exist according to international law and never should. If we are ever to live in a post-war world, we can not allow offensive strikes and collective punishment to be conflated with legitimate defensive measures. This is something the pro-Israel posters never seemed to understand during the debates here. It's not just about Israel. India is considering how to deal with Pakistan, for example. It would be terrible if the example of the IDF were followed in disputed regions around the world.
of course the Israeli Government would protect it's war criminals, because the Government and the illegal state itself been established by terrorists and war criminals: Menachem Begin was leader of the Jewish "Irgun Zvai Leumi" terrorist gang which blew up the British High Commission in Jeruslalem in 1946 killing 91 people including 15 Jews. "The Palestinians would be crushed like grasshoppers ... heads smashed against the boulders and walls." -- in a speech to Jewish settlers - New York Times 1 April 1988 if their old terrorists been able to run away with their crimes, and even become PM's, why not the new terrorists follow their steps?
Are you serious? Israel didn't signed up any international convention which can bring them to act like any of other civilized countries! Google it up if you don't believe me.
Nah, only the pig Zionists should! hamas are angels and freedom fighters. Israeli government should pay to the last cent to support IDF soldiers - it's the governments duty. I expect nothing less, but very safe to say that I will be very disappointed.
The UN should decide whether Hamas have committed war crimes. At the moment, it's Israel who have committed the war crimes. They can be classed as freedom fighters because they are fighting for their land which was occupied ilegally by Israel. I'm not saying Hamas are 100% correct but the main cause of all this war is stolen land. Israel are fighting to stop missiles coming across from Gaza. But why not think about why they are firing them over in the first place. It's because of land. Israel has caused more terrorist attacks then any other. I hope they are punished for the war crimes they have committed and the the innocent people they have killed.
well Israel commit crimes long time ago and no one could do anything about it , so I don't expect the UN will do something this time