JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel has opened its first investigation into the conduct of a senior military officer during last summer’s war with Gaza.
Military police investigators on Monday launched the probe of Lt. Col. Neriya Yeshurun in the shelling of a clinic in northern Gaza, which Yeshurun is believed to have ordered in retaliation for the death by sniper of his company commander, Capt. Dima Levitas.
Yeshurun, commander of the 82nd battalion of the 7th armored brigade, said he operated under Israel Defense Forces protocols, legal and operational.
A Facebook page in support of Yeshurun has been established.
Five other high-ranking officers are being investigated by the military advocate general to determine whether they showed proper judgment in battle, Army Radio reported Monday.
Other investigations have been closed, including one into the shelling on a Gaza beach that left four children dead.
Three soldiers have been convicted of looting the homes of Palestinian civilians in Gaza during the military action.
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