IDF ‘does not target civilians’

YOUR paper carried an article on August 14 regarding allegations by Human Rights Watch which accused the Israeli Defence Forces of shooting 11 civilians carrying “white flags” during Operation Cast-Lead.

I would like to state clearly that the soldiers of Israel’s Defence Forces do not shoot unarmed civilians deliberately. Every soldier serving in a combat unit is fully briefed about his obligations under International Human Rights Law and about the importance of distinguishing between civilians and combatants. Obviously civilians are not to be targeted. Where any incidents of wrongdoing are alleged, the matter is fully investigated. The Israeli legal system is independent and has consistently earned international respect and recognition for its jurisprudence and independence. It has achieved some landmark rulings on balancing security with the protection of human rights, and has been cited favourably by foreign courts, such as the European Court of Justice.

Human Rights Watch‘s report relies on a very problematic methodology, which is its reliance on uncorroborated testimony from people who are not free to speak out against the Hamas regime or tell the truth about the Hamas tactic of using civilians as human shields.