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Defense Minister Barak
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Government to provide full legal backing for IDF soldiers

Defense minister to submit draft resolution to cabinet stating Israel stands behind its soldiers and commanders and will defend them should they face legal suits related to actions in Gaza operation

Defense Minister Ehud Barak will submit a draft resolution to the cabinet on Sunday that is meant to provide IDF soldiers and commanders with moral and legal backing in wake of Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.

 

The cabinet is expected to endorse the resolution during its Sunday meeting.

 

"The government once again reiterates its commitment to stand by the IDF soldiers and commanders and provide them with protection in the international arena in matters concerning actions taken while serving as the State's emissaries," the resolution states.

 

"The IDF's soldiers and commanders operated according to moral standards and with full faith that their cause was just. The IDF is a moral and ethical army, and I know of no other army that implements such high standards," Barak wrote in the resolution. "There is no room for self-flagellation," he added.

 

The army is well aware of the international criticism leveled at Israel over its actions in Gaza.

 

The draft resolution was formulated in cooperation between the Defense Ministry and the Justice Ministry. It also calls on the government to "express its appreciation and gratitude to the IDF on behalf of the State and its citizens. Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip realized the State's right and obligation, in line with the law of nations, to defend itself and its citizens."

 

The resolution further stresses the efforts taken by the IDF to act in accordance with international law, to refrain from hurting civilians uninvolved in the fighting, and to allow humanitarian aid into the Strip.

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.23.09, 16:46
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