JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s military will investigate claims that soldiers did not behave appropriately during the recent military operation in Gaza.
The IDF Military Advocate General, Brig. Gen. Avichai Mendelblit, on Thursday instructed the Criminal Investigation Division of the IDF Military Police to look into the claims made regarding alleged actions of soldiers during Operation Cast Lead, according to the Israel Defense Forces spokesperson’s office.
The announcement comes after soldiers at a military academy, the Rabin Preparation Program in Oranim, claimed during a post-operation conference that Israeli soldiers violated rules of engagement. The content of the conference discussions was released Thursday, prompting the announcement of the investigation.
Two major Israeli daily newspapers, Ha’aretz and Ma’ariv, began reporting soldiers’ stories on Thursday and announced plans to publish more in their Friday weekend editions.
The soldiers described instances in which soldiers fired too hastily on civilians and indiscriminately destroyed Palestinian property.
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