The newspaper Haaretz, has broken stories from Israeli veterans of the most recent Gaza offensive, The 22 Day War. They run counter to the official Israeli Military claim, that Israeli soldiers have upheld an history of ethical warfare of the highest standard. If the soldiers’ claims are proven, the State of Israel, and the Israeli military, may face war crimes charges.The testimony was presented by soldiers at a presentation to a class at Oranim Academic College in Tivon.

After ignoring claims by the international community to cease its offensive against Gaza, the Israeli’s finally declared a unilateral ceasefire, leaving behind 1300 casualties, many of them women and children. The soldiers who have come forward would be risking trial for war crimes, and are essentially turning themselves in. Israel has been a bastion of democratic legitimacy in the middle east and has tainted its legitimacy with these acts.

The Israeli military does not release its policies, because of this it will be difficult to prosecute based on breach of policy. However, Israel is a signatory to the Geneva Convention, and the use of white phosphorous rounds occurred, which is restricted unless they are used to cover troop movements. The Israeli military however, fired white phosphorous over Gaza where it landed on and destroyed buildings and burnt civilians.

Regarding the accusations and the increasing number of soldiers coming forward with atrocities committed, Ehud Barak, the Israeli Defence Minister said, “I still say we have the most moral army in the world. Of course there may be exceptions but I have absolutely no doubt this will be inspected on a case-by-case basis,” it’s important to keep in mind that Mr. Barak is in negotiations with Mr. Netanyahu, the Prime Minister Designate to establish a government, after weeks of political wrangling in post-election Israel.

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