Human rights organizations represented by attorney Limor Yehuda of ACRI (Association for Civil Rights in Israel) are calling on Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to change is position and lift his opposition to launching an investigation into the IDF’s operation in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead.

The media reports surrounding accusations made by soldiers and officers affiliated with Yitzchak Rabin pre-IDF course affiliated with Oranim Academic College as was reported (http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=31983) by YWN last week. ACRI is now demanding the state launch an investigation and not rely on the findings of the IDF’s own internal investigation, expressing a fear that the news released last week may only be representative of widespread human rights violations perpetrated by the IDF in Gaza.

Sorrowfully, the news was reported around the world, in major newspapers and electronic media, adding to Israel’s tainted image following the counter-terrorism offensive, but this time, the damage was not caused by the PA (Palestinian Authority), but by Israelis. The chilul Hashem has prompted left-wingers to demand investigations against the IDF, now apparently convinced many IDF soldiers acting inappropriately and immorally during the military operation.

Joining the call is Meretz executive director Zahava Gal-On, who is demanding an “outside body” investigate the IDF, insisting the accused cannot conduct an investigation against itself.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)