Last update - 00:00 27/12/2007
IDF: Probes of suspected crimes against Palestinians up 36%
By The Associated Press
The Israel Defense Forces launched 207 investigations into troops'
suspected crimes against Palestinians in 2007, up 36 percent from the year before, the military said Thursday.
A recent report by the Israeli human rights group Yesh Din faulted the
military for not opening enough investigations into allegations of
mistreatment of Palestinians.
The allegations include abuse and other assaults on Paelstinians, property crimes and shootings, the military said.
Also Thursday, the military confirmed it would institute an affirmative action program to bring more women into top military positions.
The IDF has drafted both men and women since 1948.
Women also filled the same roles as men in pre-state Jewish underground
groups, but later most women in the Israeli military were relegated to desk jobs.
In recent years women have been accepted into combat units, and several have qualified as air force fighter pilots.