January 25, 2009

In its Sunday session, the Israeli cabinet decided to grant full legal aid to its military and political officials accused of committing war crimes against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip

Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, defended the Israeli war on Gaza and claimed that the army avoided harming civilians.

Olmert said that the government will provide its officials with all aid they need as military and political officials might be facing criminal charges for harming Palestinian civilians.

Israeli Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, defended the war on Gaza and said that “Israel and the United States can cooperate in the war on terrorism”.

Livni added that Israel can recruit the United States if it provides the US with a clear political view.

She added that the “political process” Israel carried out in recent years “enables it to fight terrorism”.

Meanwhile, Israeli Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann, stated that he intends to consult prominent legal experts in order to provide legal answers to Israel’s military activities.

The Israeli cabinet decision came after a bill, titled “Strengthening the IDF’s hand after Operation Cast Lead” was submitted by the Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, in coordination with the State Prosecutor and the Ministry of Justice, Israeli online daily, Haaretz, reported.

Barak claimed that the Israeli army is “the most moral army in the world” and added that the army would receive full support from the government.

The Israel army killed over 1300 Palestinians, at least 400 of them were children, in its 22-day war in the Gaza Strip. More than 5000 Palestinians, mainly women and children were injured in the offensive.

Yet, Israeli Justice Minister, Daniel Friedmann, claims that Israel is acting in accordance to the International Law.