Israel to set up team to review Gaza war probe

"When woman and children intentionally involved themselves in military operations, that was their choice to accept the consequences" They didn't have much choice in Gaza...it is the most densely populated piece of land in the world...everywhere you look is a civilian area populated by civilians...

You mave my express permsission to call Fahti Hamad a liar, since for the most part, I based my post on civilian involvement on his video statement

Neither you or I were in Gaza to witness what transpired Arabs have a propensity for inflating figures for the media Let's not forget that Hamas bragged about putting their civilians in the line of fire, as I posted in the video made by Mr. Hamadi Any normal society doesn't intentionally endanger their own children and womenfolk, they attempt to protect them If a woman chose to take her infant into the line of fire or into a dangerous environment, that was her free choice (according to Hamas) Jenin's inflated casualty claims were disproven ages ago When woman and children intentionally involved themselves in military operations, that was their choice to accept the consequences

They "VOLUNTEERED" in all instances When they VOLUNTEERED to use their bodies to protect military facilities or supply points, that was their choice, to get involved in a military operation, they were no longer civilians, they became accomplices, losing all semblance or claim to being civilians If you knowingly supplied a weapon to a criminal, you too are an accomplice, since you aided and abetted the crime and are equally responsible in the eyes of the Law

"are you willing to vouch for Hamas` alleged investigation?" No, of course not. But I don't trust Bibi's investigation either. I don't think he's acting in Israel's best interests with his recent decisions. He should have cooperated with the initial investigation. "By this time you`ve surely heard of Pallywood and Jenin, if not do the usual search" I've read quite a bit about Jenin. As usual, there are two versions of what took place there and I'm not sure what to believe. As for Pallywood, Ben, even you must admit that several hundred women and children lost their lives during Cast Lead, and they weren't all acting as human shields; there were babies killed too...

Unarmed civilians volunteering to protect a building with their lives is one thing. Unarmed civilians being forced to protect insurgent fighters at gun point is rather different, as is soldiers using civilians at gun point to protect themselves. The former is an act of civil resistance. The latter is a war crime. However, Goldstone found no evidence of either on Hamas's part. He only found evidence of the practice on the IDF's part. If Ben Jabo and Israel have any tangible evidence to the contrary from Israel's vast store of satellite, UAV and recce photographs or evidence from credible IDF witnesses, they better hurry up and produce it, the clock is ticking. It is not enough for Ben to argue it must be so because he wants it to be so and the NYT reported that the IDF has said it was so. Evidence needed Ben, just the actual evidence.

to vouch for Hamas' alleged investigation? By this time you've surely heard of Pallywood and Jenin, if not do the usual search Keep one thing in mind, a dog doesn't smell it's own doo

First of all, it was Mr. Fahti Hamad, the Hamas Spokesman that boasted how his people wanted to be an shields Second, note the date of the video, It was the end of February 2008, which was MONTHS before Operation Cast Lead You should note, that in all instances Gaza civilians opted for Human Shield duty, NOBODY forced them The only date I referred to was that of Feb. 2008, the 2007 date is your assumption, so make the best of it Don't you feel better that it's been explained so that even you can understand it?? Next time, read slowly and try absorbing what's been placed in front of you

and that of Hamas if you don't read and pay attention to what I posted The incident I mentioned, as clearly indicated in the link, was in Feb 2008, not 2007 as you seem to have misunderstood It's nice of you to write, just try being a bit more accurate for a change Here's the link reference data, return to my post and try reading a bit more carefully this time around No. 1710 | February 29, 2008 Hamas MP Fathi Hammad: We Used Women and Children as Human Shields Following are excerpts from a speech delivered by Hamas MP Fathi Hammad, which aired on Al-Aqsa TV on February 29, 2008.

shows that you most clearly mis-understood Read the article thoroughly, the Hamas Human shields weren't forced to do anything According to Mr. Fathti, the Hamas spokesman, the shields took pride in "VOLUNTEERING", which means they weren't forced to do it If you'll pay closer attention, note the date of the Hamas statement, it was MONTHS before Cast Lead took place, Feb 29, 2008, to be exact No. 1710 | February 29, 2008 Hamas MP Fathi Hammad: We Used Women and Children as Human Shields Following are excerpts from a speech delivered by Hamas MP Fathi Hammad, which aired on Al-Aqsa TV on February 29, 2008. If at a later date, those chose to act as Human Shields, that was their choice, not that of the IDF Let me explain it simply, you can't hit me, put on eyeglasses and then claim I can't hit back because you're wearing glasses One think I learned in my old Army Days "NEVER VOLUNTEER", they did

From the Goldstone Report: "The Mission?s attention has been drawn to a well-known incident in which women and children followed calls to gather on the roof of the house of a Palestinian man who had been informed by the Israeli authorities that his house would be targeted...The Mission notes, however, that the incident occurred in 2007. No such incidents are alleged by the Israeli Government with regard to the military operations that began on 27 December 2008. The Mission received no reports of such incidents from other sources.." Uh-Oh, BEN JABO. A little problem has occurred. The "incident" to which you triumphantly refer took place, apparently, in 2007, two years before Operation Cast Lead. Your witness.

I've always understood that the alleged use of women, children and elderly as "human shields" was a maneuver forced upon them by Hamas militants, in order that the latter might save their own skins. Not exactly. Palestinian Women, children, and elderly, it is reported, voluntarily gathered at buildings that they thought were about to be attacked by the Israelis. They willingly put their lives on the line for that purpose. Fanatical behavior, one may argue, but for motive other than what has been reported out by the Israeli and western press.

....anything, he's fooling himself. By saying an investigation is "not an option" he shows his arrogance, and by declaring that no IDF soldiers will be investigated, he makes a mockery of the entire thing! He's looking worse than Hamas right now...at least they are holding investigations! Still, there's not much that Bibi doesn't look worse than...

Seems that both you and Goldstone are blind to the fact that Hamas boasted about using their own people for Human Shields My post #54 give all the details, plus a video link

The IDF was a heck of a lot more methodical than Hamas was when it fired missiles at random at Sderot & environs, it was Hamas that used their own civilians for shielding purposes Now, let's look at some facts, the USA didn't use "Disciplined Infantry" when she bombed Hiroshima & Nagasaki or when the Allies beat the hell out of Dresden & Berlin You're living in a dream world As I posted in my #54, Hamas admitted, better yet, BOASTED that they use their own people, intentionally endangering them If Goldstone couldn't find evidence, then he was totally blind, all he had to do was read and listen to what Hamas said

The quote you attribute to Goldstone actually appeared in a letter signed by twenty-six international lawyers and legal scholars, and Goldstone was not among them. Go feed your disinformation to some other audience.

"By the time the committee decides on its recommendation for the government to decide whether or not to have an investigation... Hopefully all will be forgotten! Or will it??" It won't be forgotten! but at the rate she going, Israel's time will run out. Currently she has 182 days to reporrt that she is complying with the Goldstone recommendation. Time's a wastin!

You've got the actual Goldstone report which you've obviously read and digested; but Peter SM has Channel 4 News 23. So there! I thought the days had passed where one believes everything one reads,(figuratively speaking), in the newspapers. But I guess not.

"why cooperate if Israel was pronounced guilty FIRST" Israel has not been pronounced guilty FIRST! At best, the Goldstone committee is the equivalent of a committee appointed by a grand jury to investigate allegations of wrongdoing. The grand jury is the UN, and has not yet made its decision. Four possibilitites: 1. The SC will veto referral to the ICC; 2. Ths SC will recomend that the case be referred to the ICC; 3. if 2, then the ICC prosecutor will have to decide either to prosecute or not to prosecute; 4. if he decides to prosecute then, and only then, will a trial commence; 5. once a trial commences, a verdict of guilty or not guilty will be delivered. My point is that we are a long, long way from pronouncing Israel guilty. Too many "if's" in the process including the political "if" in #1.

"Have you written to Hamas to express your displeasure? Never mind,UNHRC has not found it necessary either." However, Hamas is complying with the Goldstone recommendation. It has established a committee of inquiry into its own alleged misdeeds. Israel has not yet done so. They have 182 days left to comply.

"Israel will push to change the rules of war and I guess it will be succesfull in that." Don't bet on it! Anyway, even with Obama behind him, Bibi can't change the rules and make them ex post facto. So Whatever he does won't save Ashkenaiz, Olmert, Barak or Livni. And when Israel launches Cast Lead II, as it surely will if Hamas wins the elections next January, it just might put him alongside the others in the dock at the Hague.

Operation Cast Lead was in December 2008 - January 2009. PSM: "46 sec - 15 May 2008" Missed it by that much, PETER...... PSM: "7 Mar 2008" Getting colder, colder, colder.... r cummings points out - correctly - that Israel claimed that Hamas used civilians as human shields during Cast Lead. r cummings points out - correctly - that when Goldstone investigated those allegations he found that they were false. Your attempts to dispute that amounts to an irrelevency, precisely because you are chronologically challenged.

Would Israel be investigating the Gaza massacre if Goldstone hadn't blown the whistle? I don't think so!

The problem is not if Gevena ICRC laws were broken but how to stop legal actions from ICC. Netanyahu wants to make this a Hamas investigaion only but who will be questioned since only the IDF soldiers have most the answers to how and why they acted and Israel refused to question Hamas on IDF actions. The UN already has had to investigations, first was a general one to see if closer look needed that is why Goldstone report was ordered who already has questioned UN/Aid workers, Gaza people and afew IDF soldiers.

Israel was asked to join in the process and was given details of the incidents under investigation. Judge Goldstone asked Netanyahu personally to be a part of the process. He ignored the Judge and in fact waited almost 21/2 months before declining officially. Sorry old bean---case closed. Save all you facts for the ICC although I am sure the whitewash panel cobbled together by the GOI might be interested. I am not. But do keep trying--it will keep you away from brutalising your palestinian neighbours.

"Hamas has said it would form a committee to investigate the allegations in the Goldstone report." A wise decision! Will Israel also be wise? 182 days to make up their minds.

"Netanyahu is afraid of having his hands tied if further action is required in Gaza." Since the Goldstone Report has been accepted, Israel had better not decide further action in Gaza is required!

"Israel is prepared to fight against the legitimacy of the Goldstone report. In addition, Israel will act to amend rules of war to adjust them to the battle against terrorists who fight from among civilians,' he said." If Israel succeeds in getting a new set of rules accepted by the UN and Geneva, do you you suppose they can make it retroactive and bring charges against the French Resistance in 1940-1944? King Christian of Denmark? Tito? And those heinous criminals who assassinated the Hitler appointed governor of Czckoslovakia, Reinhold Heydrich?

"Barak added that 'we sent the fighters on the mission, and they deserve our full support." Then Barak is responsible for whatever they did. But who will support Barak in his defense before the ICC?

"IDF soldiers and officers will not be subjected to investigation," How sad that a nation should have to investigate its own! No perfect, warfaring nation in the history of the human race has ever been subjected to such humiliation!!

"The prime minister said during the meeting that the establishment of an investigation committee was "not an option." No? It had better be an option! Israel has 182 dsys left before she is referred to the ICC prosecutor.

Yaakov Sullivan We (Israel) started an investigation before the Goldstone report saw the light of day, So we (Israel) don`t need, and didn`t need a Goldstone report to start an investigation! Be sure we are not going to do our investigation according to a bias UNHRC or because Goldstone made a report, but because we (Israelis) want to know the facts, as we always did!

Yaakov Sullivan We (Israel) started an investigation before the Goldstone report saw the light of day, So we (Israel) don`t need, and didn`t need a Goldstone report to start an investigation! Be sure we are not going to do our investigation according to a bias UNHRC or because Goldstone made a report, but because we (Israelis) want to know the facts, as we always did!

Did Goldstone have anyone on the ground then?

I am looking forward to see Hamas appoint an 'independent' judicial commission to investigate allegations such as firing missiles into Israel and using human shields, not to mention shooting Fatah supporters. Any honest commission in Gaza would be buried along side its report !

"The New York Times reported on 16 January 2009, for example, that "Hamas fighters are also putting civilians at undue risk by storing weapons among them" and "fighting in the midst of civilians, often in civilian clothing." Did the NYT have anyone on the ground in Gaza during Cast Lead?

This attempt is nothing but another diversionary tactic to make Israel appear as if it is doing somethng to investigate the Goldstone Report. Israel continues to demand of the international community that it be judged through a coda of exceptionalism With even more chutzpah, it now demands that the rules of conduct of warfare be changed to allow it to continue carrying out war crimes against the occupied. As for the Goldstone Report, I reccomend that posters refer to the wondeful inteview that Bill Moyers conducted with Judge Goldstone on Public Television.

There are many sources of possible bias and inaccuracy in reputable media sources such as the New York Times. That is why I take it as one important source among others. You consign yourself to the extreme, lunatic fringe, which is driven by an irrational need to dismiss all evidence that does not fit its predetermined conclusions, when you equate the Times with Israeli propaganda and say the Times prints Israeli propaganda "as if it's real," as if the Times did not have a structure of established norms, procedures, and professionally trained and credentialed journalists in place to gather and assess evidence. I do think there is some legitimacy to Goldstone, but there are significant areas of concern, which he is aware of and notes but perhaps does not attach sufficient significance to, such as the "reluctance" of Gazans to discuss Hamas (one example). When you're able to join the community of rational individuals, let me know; there will then be a basis for discussion.

"The idea is to set up a team to double-check the findings, to ensure there was no whitewash or lack of professionalism." Is this Netanyahu's idea of a credible investigation about war crimes committed by the IDF? Does he think this will convince anyone?

Labhras Here are some facts that debunk your statements http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1253198167357&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/Printer Go tell Goldie

1.5 million people living in 30 square miles. That gives it the highest population density in the world. So when Dan from Haifa offers the prize of 1 cent for getting Hamas testimonials that they did not shoot from civilian areas, it is a bit of a flawed prize offer really. Wherever the resistance fighters fight, it's an urban area, which means that civilians are present. Which means that an army launching a punitive attack has to go about it very carefully and methodically, using disciplined infantry rather than simply blitzing an area with firepower, with the inevitable loss of civilian lives on a large scale. As indeed happened. Dan appears to be blaming the Gazans for living in an urban area. That said, Goldstone found no evidence that resistance fighters had used human shields. Only Israel faces that accusation.

On the one hand, we have a lot of half-truths, propaganda and downright lies from both factions, the Hamas coalition and the Likud coalition. It even gets reported in the New York Times as if it's real. On the other hand, we have a bunch of independent guys, under an international judge, who sift through the evidence and arrive at evidence-based conclusions. I know which one I'd put my money on. They do not give any credence to the two issues you raise, which have long been part of Israeli propaganda. Israel needs to come up with some PROOFS to justify its claims, because to date there are NONE. Claiming that the Gazan security forces have a weapons arsenal, which they are of course entitled to have, is not an excuse for razing the neighbourhood indiscriminately you know.

This is good news, even if it is clearly only a first step. A big defeat for Netanyahu's diplomacy.

No doubt about it, Hamas admitted and bragged about their using their own people as Human Shields, as part of the operations No. 1710 | February 29, 2008 Hamas MP Fathi Hammad: We Used Women and Children as Human Shields Following are excerpts from a speech delivered by Hamas MP Fathi Hammad, which aired on Al-Aqsa TV on February 29, 2008. To view this clip, visit http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/1710.htm Fathi Hammad: [The enemies of Allah] do not know that the Palestinian people has developed its [methods] of death and death-seeking. For the Palestinian people, death has become an industry, at which women excel, and so do all the people living on this land. The elderly excel at this, and so do the mujahideen and the children. This is why they have formed human shields of the women, the children, the elderly, and the mujahideen, in order to challenge the Zionist bombing machine. It is as if they were saying to the Zionist enemy: "We desire death like you desire life."

I'd suggest you not treat this report like an inerrant Bible and employ some critical thinking instead. The New York Times reported on 16 January 2009, for example, that "Hamas fighters are also putting civilians at undue risk by storing weapons among them" and "fighting in the midst of civilians, often in civilian clothing." Other sources report as well with other examples some of which contradict Goldstone's conclusions. Does that make Goldstone worthless? No, but it points up that you need to examine and evaluate multiple sources with different perspectives rather than treat one source like an inerrant Bible for the true believer.

fighting terrorists in civillian areas ! his experience matches that of judge goldstone !! sum zero! like all of these armchair heroes they have never seen a gun fired in anger !

and with the Goldstone Report, has fallen into pieces and all the king's men will not be able to put him together again. Israel cannot risk a full inquiry since it knows only too well what they would not be able to refute.

Your repeated efforts to portray the UN as consistently enforcing its human rights policies are either deliberately misleading or the result of your massive lack of knowledge. First, the UN was complicit in the genocides you mention by name in your post by suppressing information, facilitation, or participation (see LeBor, Complicity with Evil, Yale University Press, 2006). One example: "The Dutch UN troops ignored the pleas of Bosniak men and boys who had taken refuge in their compound and forced them into the hands of their Serb executioners" (ibid., p. xii). Second, there is "a highly selective enforcement of the UN's human rights policy" (Habermas, Divided West, 2007, p. 28).

*Hamas admits it uses human shields 46 sec - 15 May 2008 *Did Hamas use 'human shields'? - Channel 4 News23 Jan 2009 ... Jonathan Miller is in Gaza looking at allegations that Hamas intimidated the populace and used civilians as human shields. www.channel4.com/...hamas+use+human+shields+/2909867 - Cached - Similar *mas placed children on rooftops as human shields preventing ...7 Mar 2008 ... Weblog about jihad theology and ideology, correcting popular misconceptions about Islam. www.jihadwatch.org/.../hamas-placed-children-on-rooftops-as-human-shields-preventing-israeli-attack-on-qassam-workshops-and.html - Cached - Similar Exposed: Hamas used human shields

The Cookhouse is adding Kosher food to the menu. Things are moving along apace. Bibi is sending confirmatory signs that they had best be ready for a few Guests. I wonder if Barak likes his spam well done. Or has Livni ever peeled spuds. Or has Olmert ever cleaned wc,s???.

I think Netinyaho is soo clever to have thought of this delay tactic. By the time the committee decides on its recommendation for the government to decide whether or not to have an investigation... Hopefully all will be forgotten! Or will it??

What were Israelis thinking???.Electing these political neanderthals. Israel will only sow it,s own destruction by using the Goldstone report as a reason to avoid peace. It will hasten the boycotts and isolation and confirm what the Palestinians and some of us have always known---Israel does "NOT" want peace. Never did. To those who claim Cast Lead was a success---sure it was---in that it will prove to be the turning point which brought about either a two State solution or a Bi National State. But it can never be said to have enhanced the prospect of a Greater Israel---ergo it was a loss to those who sought such a goal.

He will never read the report but will read any material that denegrates the report. Sort of like a sports fan who will only read material from writers who tell him what he wants to hear. Here is part of the report confirming your statement. "471. The Mission investigated cases in which ambulances were denied access to wounded Palestinians. Three cases in particular are described in chapter XI: the attempts of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to evacuate the wounded from the al-Samouni neighbourhood south of Gaza City after the attack on the house of Ateya al-Samouni and after the shelling of the house of Wa?el al-Samouni; the attempt of an ambulance driver to rescue the daughters of Khalid and Kawthar Abd Rabbo in Izbat Abd Rabbo; and the attempt of an ambulance driver to evacuate Rouhiyah al-Najjar after she had been hit by an Israeli sniper. In all three cases the Mission found, on the facts it gathered, that the Israeli armed forces must have known that there were no combatants among the people to be rescued or in the immediate vicinity. 481. Finally, on this issue, it is relevant to mention that the Israeli Government has produced no visual or other evidence to support its allegation that Palestinian combatants ?mingle routinely with civilians in order to cover their movements?.338

He will never read the report but will read any material that denegrates the report. Sort of like a sports fan who will only read material from writers who tell him what he wants to hear. Here is part of the report confirming your statement. "471. The Mission investigated cases in which ambulances were denied access to wounded Palestinians. Three cases in particular are described in chapter XI: the attempts of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to evacuate the wounded from the al-Samouni neighbourhood south of Gaza City after the attack on the house of Ateya al-Samouni and after the shelling of the house of Wa?el al-Samouni; the attempt of an ambulance driver to rescue the daughters of Khalid and Kawthar Abd Rabbo in Izbat Abd Rabbo; and the attempt of an ambulance driver to evacuate Rouhiyah al-Najjar after she had been hit by an Israeli sniper. In all three cases the Mission found, on the facts it gathered, that the Israeli armed forces must have known that there were no combatants among the people to be rescued or in the immediate vicinity. 481. Finally, on this issue, it is relevant to mention that the Israeli Government has produced no visual or other evidence to support its allegation that Palestinian combatants ?mingle routinely with civilians in order to cover their movements?.338

If Israel was wise they would listen to what the UK and France said when they did not vote on the Goldstone Report. One, you should have an independent enquiry. Two, you should end settlement building. Three, you should end the siege of Gaza. If the EU as a whole stops sitting on the fence then there will be real pressure on Israel. It is going that way, just as the US is climbing on the fence from being on your side. And there's Turkey too. You really will have no friends if you continue your crazy ride.

without uniforms ? Factual evidence? In Hamas controlled Gaza? like an open Stalinist trial.

BEFORE investigation and investigators that do not announce their prejudices on the matter in public in writing and then go on to claim impartiality.

If Peter SM had actually read the Goldstone report, he would have seen that they found NO evidence or even allegation of Hamas using civilians as human shields, not from civilians, doctors or even from the Israeli soldiers interviewed. If Israel, which is the one peddling this allegation, has any tangible proof that it occurred, they need to produce it or stop with the fabrications. There is however factual evidence in the report that the IDF used human shields on a number of occasions, these are among the alleged war crimes that an independent inquiry or the International Criminal Court is asked to investigate.

Refusal to investigate is nothing to be proud of. On the contrary, pride comes from holding onself and one's country up to highest standards of accountability. The findings of Justice Goldstone won't go away and attempts to smear him and his work won't wash. Better deal with it. That includes bringing to justice those responsible for war crimes. For BOTH sides.

So Israel thinks it is above international criminal law now and can commit war crimes with impunity. It's in good company, lawless states that defy UN resolutions always think they can get away with it and that the day of judgment will somehow never come. Just look at Serbia, Rwanda, Sudan, etc. They all refused point blank to accept or investigate their crimes or hand over the guilty parties. With no luck at all, as political and military leaders from all 3 are now serving long prison sentences in the Hague or are on the run. Brazen Israel under brazen Netanyahu thinks it can somehow beat the rap by rhetoric, propaganda, denial, tricks - like this phony committee of 'inquiry' - and lies. While expecting the rest of the world to treat it as if everything is normal and even consider seriously its forlorn quest to change the rules of war. Some hope Bibi! All you are doing is confirming to the world that Israel is another lawless rogue state that needs to be punished.

The ideas falls like rain in november, but the clock is ticking and the ICC is getting themselves ready.

before the investigation. Both by UHNHRC AND Goldstones deputy"- that Israel's military actions "amount to aggression, not self defense" and that "the manner and scale of its operations in Gaza amount to an act of aggression and is contrary to international law." Goldstone expressed his own prejudices in writing prior to his investigation with known anti Israel activists

while Hamas proudly boasts about it. Have you written to Hamas to express your displeasure? Never mind,UNHRC has not found it necessary either.

so there is no case against Bibi. Case closed!!!

Israel blocked Goldstone's mission in a number of ways: it blocked access to government and military personnel for questioning; it blocked access to Israel to prevent interviewing civilians affected by Hamas attacks (interviewed at Geneva); it blocked access to the West Bank to prevent interviewing PA officials (interviewed instead in Geneva and Amman); it blocked access to the Gaza Strip through Israel (the mission gained passage through Egypt). If Netanyahu was truly interested in objective evaluations of Israel's conduct, he would have fully cooperated with the mission.

I fully agree with your opeinion on the subject. But let me add that in my view Netanyahu will sometime in teh future definately be brought before the Hague Criminal Tribunal for war crimes. I am more than sure of that.

BBS can hardly cope with Obama's mass killing in Afghanistan. With your taxes Obama has simply tore down a house with its dwellers, in order to kill a presunted terrorist. He did not even think in sending police to capture him. The methods used by America and beforehand by Russia are morally comeplling for Israel. Israel will push to change the rules of war and I guess it will be succesfull in that.

"Israel is prepared to fight against the legitimacy of the Goldstone report. In addition, Israel will act to amend rules of war to adjust them to the battle against terrorists who fight from among civilians," This is exactly what will happen. The G Repeort wont stand at teh S council, and the rules of war will be changed becuase Obama himself is realizinig that he need that. Shooting point blanck against civilians should be kept illegal. Taring down a whole house with its dwellers inside, if that house hides an archi terrorist should be legalized. This is exactly what Obama has done in Afghanistan.

"Israel authorities: Slim chance of renewing talks with PA in near future (Army Radio)... ... a bit of punitive-action never goes amiss...

The decision to exclude journalists from the Gaza operation shows Israel was already hiding things from the beginning.. But foolishly, the use of phosphorous shells in broad dalight that was shown all over the world showed Israel had made command level decisions to use munitions illegally. This shows faulty thinking and incompetent execution of policy. Of course Israel wants to stiffle the Goldstone report because it would reveal it all from the top level on down. Israel's fear and deceit work against it. The war against Hamas was justified, even delayed by too much restraint. Hamas provoked the war and got whipped, and Israel should have played by the rules and won the propaganda war in the aftermath instead of making a mess of it all.

when need arises, or better on it. This entire saga is world envy of Israel not loosing lives to terror. We need to teach IDF how to be this good. If flight 11 was Israel and CIA was Mossad, flight passengers would be walking, Twin Towers would be standing, and Atta would be sitting in psychiatric ward for another 60 years.

i wonder what "issue" they expect it to put to rest?

...because for the first time both Palestinian militant groups and Israel's IDF have been held to the same standard. It has been a watershed event for the world, especially among those who have actually read it. No one can read it and come away not knowing that Israel committed horrible acts. Richard Goldstone is an unimpeachable friend of Israel. Be very happy that it was him leading the investigation. The Goldstone Report signals and end to Israel's usual way of doing business. It has brought the entire sordid operation to light, and the world has found it does not like what it sees. And why do you want to equate Israel's actions with Sudan? Don't you think Israel has enough problems on its own?

'Anyone who seeks justice and human rights, does not compare a terrorist organization bent on the destruction of israel with an army of a democratic state fighting against it.' I'm confused. What democratic state has an army fighting against Israel?

Not ONE Israeli soldier/politician will land in Hague . Wait and see if I am wrong . What should they be tried FOR ? In fact the contrary . There will be a movement AGAINST the terrorist habit of waging war in civilian clothes from behind civilians against opponent civilians . You will soon see movement about this-certainly US Congress and Senate WILL TAKE A STAND IN THIS MATTER . As for President Obama-dont count too much on him.I doubt if he will be re elected as he is fast heading for poll ratings from which it will be difficult to gain a second term. wAIT FOR NEXT YEAR'S ELECTIONS AND THE FORTHCOMING GOVERNOR RACES. . Israel is not Bosnia.And our leaders are not Milosvich . What puzzles me is why you believe your dreams.

Does this mean politicians will be the focus of the investigation then? If not then what is the point if no-one is either under investigation, or even being considered to be wrong? What is the point?

Focus focus focus Bibi the war is imminent and Israel needs winning leaders, ignore the "peace partners" and their "international community" enablers, focus on winning the war. You cannot afford to lose a third war in a row.

as if he could in any way avoid being associated with Israel. Israel DID launch the Gaza operation in response to Qassams,not like Ravid servile repeats after some AFP journo "Israel SAYS the operation was in response.."

Put the issue at rest?? You have got to be kidding. This is just another way to whitewash and sweep the war crimes under the rug by trying to give the IDF investigation of itself legitimacy. Israel does not want an investigative committee because it knows it is guilty, just as they didn't participate in the Goldstone inquiry. The international community isn't stupid and is not going to accept this pathetic diversion.

Getting testimonials from Hamas terrorists that they did not shoot from civilian areas - 1 cent Having pro-Palestnian advocacy groups collect these testimonials - 2 cents Goldy cutting and pasting these testimonials in his report and calling them credible - PRICELESS!

"IDF soldiers and officers will not be subjected to investigation," he (bibi) stressed. Then, may we ask, what is left to investigate?

Goldstone has already talked with Gaza people and afew soldiers to find possible illegal actions on both sides. Only the IDF officers know what was ordered so without them questioned do you get the same facts as Goldstone? The real question is did Israel Gov. order IDF to punish Gaza or just stop rockets, if punish ordered then that is a war crime, if a mistake by afew soldiers then Gov. and Officers safe but low ranking soldiers at risk.

Anyone who seeks justice and human rights, does not compare a terrorist organization bent on the destruction of israel with an army of a democratic state fighting against it. Sure, go aheand support and accept the sham a pro-Hamas, abusers of human rights lecturing Israel and criticize Israel`s investigation. You do not see anything wrong about Sudan that never get investigated lecturing Israe on human rights. What a twisted logic. But rest assured that the kangaroo investigation is going to be forgotten shortly and thrown into the anals of polical shams together with the other anti-Israli UNHRC politics. Enjoy it while you can.

"IDF soldiers and officers will not be subjected to investigation," he stressed.Netanyahu But the Hague awaits them. Sorry sir bust we must insist that you come with us. Your passport will be returned after the trial--if you are found not guilty.

How horrible, some Israelis in government will have to read the report of Goldstone's work. Heresy! Will they have to be purified afterward? What if they, too, become vampires? Of course they won't investigate what may or may not have happened in Gaza. They have IDF after-action reports to provide that white-wash.

The only answer that will work is an open and honest investigation of the entire process involved from the first planning to the final execution of Cast Lead. The refusal to aid the Goldstone commission was a BIG mistake and every time Israel avoids doing what Goldstone asked of it, to do an honest investigation, makes Israel look guilty to the world. Barak is trying to save his sorry ass, but what needs to be done is save Israel from ending up with people indicted by the International Court of Justice. Another coat of Barak Brand White Wash is not going to work.

ashkenazi, olmert, barak and livni....justice awaits

"Israel to set up team to review Gaza war probe" So the probe is reviewed not the war. "IDF soldiers and officers will not be subjected to investigation," So no investigation into possible war crimes in Gaza. It does not sound this should "put the issue to rest".

A committee to confirm the findings of the whitewashes (and the only people who don't consider them whitewashes are the same people who had no problems with the IDF using Palestinians as human shields) might have been spinnable as meeting the call of the goldstone report for an independant, CREDIBLE investigation. But, after the attempts to block the investigation, and the subsequent attacks on the respected people who carried out the investigation, it is not going to fly with the people who support the idea of justice (it might provide a fig leaf for a veto, depends on how much pressure can be exerted)

...shooting people with white flags is not self-defense. Shooting civilians with white phosphorous is not self-defense. Using civilians as human shields is not self-defense. Keeping Gaza a ghetto, starving civilians and inviting resistance is not self-defense. Lying to the world and claiming that Israel waited on its hands during the Second Intifada is not a defense and is ludicrous on its face given the more than a thousand dead Palestinian civilians that were killed by IDF return fire including many many many thousands more rockets and other explosive munitions that Israel lobbed at the Palestinians during the time frame in question. Israel is not capable of making peace on it's own, it's "leaders" are clearly insane; why else make "official" claims that everyone knows are nothing but a tissue of lies?

"Netanyahu instructed Justice Minister Ya'akov Ne'eman to coordinate the team, which will present its recommendations as to Israel's course of action on the Goldstone report and its ramifications." It is like asking the slaughter to investigate his killings. It is clear who was this slaughter and under which circumstances he committed his crimes. Is it not hypocracy per excellence?