Netanyahu: No war crimes trials for Israelis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today vowed never to allow Israeli leaders or soldiers to stand trial for war crimes over their actions during last winter’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip, furiously denouncing a recent UN report in a keynote address to parliament.

Mr Netanyahu’s fiery rhetoric – and his decision to open the high-profile speech with remarks on the UN report – reflected the deep distress felt among Israeli leaders after a UN commission accused Israel of intentionally harming civilians when it launched a massive attack in Gaza to stop years of rocket fire.