Monday
Oct262009
Israel: Netanyahu and Barak Limit the Gaza Inquiry
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 8:54
Palestine: Is the Third Intifada Possible?
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Continuing the resistance to the commission of inquiry mandated by the UN approval of the Goldstone Report on the Gaza War, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday, "The Israel Defense Forces operates on the battlefield in the most ethical way. It is an army that investigates and examines itself in the most thorough way, more than any other army in the world." At the same time, he held the line against any immediate move: "I have still not formed a stance and have not made a decision on this matter, and there is no change."
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak was initially unhappy with Netanyahu's statement, wanting a declaration rejecting any enquiry. The Ministry of Defense said, "The minister reiterates that he opposes any committee that would investigate the officers and soldiers of the IDF. There is no other army in the world that investigates itself the way the IDF does."
On Sunday, both leaders agreed on a common ground. They will appoint a small task force rather than a committee of enquiry to make recommendations. The task force's suggesitons will not be legally binding. Netanyahu added, "IDF soldiers and officers will not be subjected to investigation," while Barak declared:
Receive our latest updates by email or RSS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED
Buy Us A Cup of Coffee? Help Enduring America Expand Its Coverage and Analysis
Continuing the resistance to the commission of inquiry mandated by the UN approval of the Goldstone Report on the Gaza War, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday, "The Israel Defense Forces operates on the battlefield in the most ethical way. It is an army that investigates and examines itself in the most thorough way, more than any other army in the world." At the same time, he held the line against any immediate move: "I have still not formed a stance and have not made a decision on this matter, and there is no change."Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak was initially unhappy with Netanyahu's statement, wanting a declaration rejecting any enquiry. The Ministry of Defense said, "The minister reiterates that he opposes any committee that would investigate the officers and soldiers of the IDF. There is no other army in the world that investigates itself the way the IDF does."
On Sunday, both leaders agreed on a common ground. They will appoint a small task force rather than a committee of enquiry to make recommendations. The task force's suggesitons will not be legally binding. Netanyahu added, "IDF soldiers and officers will not be subjected to investigation," while Barak declared:
We sent the fighters on the mission, and they deserve our full support....Israel is prepared to fight against the legitimacy of the Goldstone report. In addition, Israel will act to amend rules of war to adjust them to the battle against terrorists who fight from among civilians.