Israel demands PA drop war crimes suit at The Hague
Palestinian Authority called on International Court to examine IDF's January operation in Gaza.
By Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff Tags: Israel news PalestiniansTensions are mounting between Israel and the Palestinian Authority following Ramallah's call on the International Court at The Hague to examine claims of "war crimes" that the IDF allegedly committed during Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. The issue is already weighing in on the relations between the leadership of Israel's defense and security establishment with their counterparts in the West Bank, and is part of a growing list of Israeli complaints about the behavior of PA officials.
Meanwhile, Israel has warned the Palestinian Authority that it would condition permission for a second cellular telephone provider to operate in the West Bank - an economic issue of critical importance to the PA leadership - on the Palestinians withdrawing their request at the International Court.
The issue of a second cellular provider is at the center of talks between the PA, the international Quartet, and Israel, and has been ongoing for some months. Currently the sole provider is Pal-Tel, and the PA prime minister, Salam Fayyad, considers the introduction of another carrier as an important step in improving the civilian infrastructure in the West Bank. The project is central to Watanya, the company that is set to serve as the second provider, and profits are expected to be substantial
However, if the project is not approved by October 15, the PA will be forced to pay a penalty estimated at $300 million, the sum that has already been invested in licensing and infrastructure.
Western diplomats, including the Quartet's envoy to the region, former British prime minister Tony Blair, and the U.S. ambassador to Israel, James Cunningham, have made it clear to senior Israeli officials that time is running out, and have urged them to allow for the establishment of a second provider to go forward.
Israel's objections begin with the issue of transmission frequencies. The frequencies that the Palestinians want the new company to use are very close to ones used by the Israel Defense Forces in some of its most sensitive activities.
"Israel is making it difficult for us on many levels," complains Mohammed Mustafa, economic adviser to PA President Mahmoud Abbas. "They now want us to pressure Pal-Tel to release some of its frequencies, so that they can be used by Watanya."
However, another, more substantive issue was recently added, when the Palestinian Authority appealed to the International Criminal Court. Security sources told Haaretz that this move, which was authorized by Fayyad and Abbas, incensed senior officials of the defense establishment, especially army Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi.
Ashkenazi has been kept busy by involvement in a holding action against the threat that Israeli officers would be brought before the court as a result of charges that the IDF committed war crimes in the Gaza Strip. Concern has intensified following the grave report that the Goldstone Commission released two weeks ago on behalf of the United Nations.
In Israel the argument is that the PA is being unfair, and that at the time of the operation in the Gaza Strip, last winter, its senior officials encouraged their Israeli counterparts to step up the pressure on Hamas, and even to attempt to bring its rule in the territory to the point of collapse. However, at a latter stage they joined those decrying Israel and its alleged actions in the Strip.
In light of this tension, the chief of staff conditioned his approval of a second cellular provider to the Palestinians' withdrawing their appeal to the court.
"The PA has reached the point where it has to decide whether it is working with us or against us," senior figures in the defense establishment have said. At the PA it is being said, in response to the Israeli demands, that Abbas and Fayyad will water down their appeal to the ICJ, though they will refuse to promise that it will rescinded entirely.
During the past year Israel defense officials have often praised the Palestinians on improving their contribution to securing the West Bank, and of the decisive character of the leadership under Fayyad. However, in recent weeks there have been increasing claims that even as the Authority is being praised by Israel and the international community, it is behaving irresponsibly by violating agreements between the two sides.
The Israeli claims focus on the growing presence of Palestinian security personnel in civilian clothing in East Jerusalem, contrary to the obligations of the PA. The security personnel participate in prayers at Al-Aqsa mosque, and at other sites in the city, and have stepped up their presence in the Jerusalem's medical and educational facilities. Moreover, they have also been involved in the abduction of Palestinians suspected of selling property to Jews.
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In reponce to Marc Reseda, CA. You are losing the debate resoucing to insults grow up.
Israel has been a patient neighbour, which country would have kept still while its territory was shelled by muslims terrorists (there is no other possible definition of the gang called hamas since UN, US and EU recognized hamas as a terrorist orgaznization!) for over a period of eight long years installing in Sderot a climate of daily terror, killing unarmed civilians, kiddies, etc destroying houses, schools buildings. Protecting people from outside agression is not only a right but a moral obligation. When Israel launched Cast lead operation it was clearly announced as a Israeli retaliation for these shelling, it was not anything else. UN recognizes its members the right to retaliate if attacked. Where are the crimes?
In a war, Israel is not allowed to win. Even though Israel is the one being attacked. They cannot defend themselves. Goldstone is behind a plan to eliminate the State of Israel and the EU is all for this plan. Wake up Everone, Don't give in to this libel.
Love all of the "OH NO SUICIDE BOMBINGS/ROCKET ATTACKS." Your country has killed thousands (mine is complicit in your situation as well but that is another story). As a wise Brit once said, there is no moral difference between a suicide bomber and a stealth bomber, they both kill people for political purposes. Oppress a people and they'll turn to the only thing weapon they have. The anti-arabic racism in here is appalling as well.
The Fourth Geneva Convention (GIV) wisely provides that an agreement between occupying government and government of the occupied is void insofar as it seeks to void protections offered by that Convention to civilian persons living under occupation. The drafters of GIV knew (as we all do) that the powerful occupier can easily twist the arm of the weak occupied. By analogy if not in law, pressure by Israel to get the PA to drop charges of war crimes against Israel lodged with the International Criminal Court should be ineffective by action of law. For the punishing of civilians (as wanton unlawful killing would seem to be) without regular trial is forbidden by GIV. Needless to say, Gaza is as much occupied territory in 2008-2009 as it has been since June 1967, for the Israeli army controls its borders, its imports and exports, etc. The mere (occasional) removal of Israel's soldiers from Gaza does not mean that those soldiers fail to exercise whatever control they care to exercise.
Of course the 'only democracy in ME' cant stand even a tiny bit of truth coming out in the open and hence resorts to its natural weapon: blackmail And on the other hand, the spineless collaborators who have sold away their motherland will jump the fire hoop to prove their allegiance to their masters
PA is working with Jordan which is stripping Pals of citizenship so they can demand more "refugees" to Israel. Pals can only have one state,time for a reality check,instead of rhetoric about demanding justice while demanding to occupy both states
Rarely do nations get justice in court. Hope for the people of Gaza lie only in peace. Suffer peacefully for maybe the next ten years - do not fire rockets. Do not plot against Isreal. Show that you really have changed, you wish no longer to harm us,... then maybe gradually your lot will improve in twenty years time there will be less mistrust and you children will reap the rewards and economic benefits,
For Palestinians justice is often difficult to get. This action in itself feels like it might be violating the Geneva conventions.
It appears the PA is working for peace with justice. On the other hand, the Israeli government continues its policies of destroying a viable Palestine.
Zip, nada, zilch. Except, return fire more accurately aimed at the PA. Both hamas and fatah are responsible w/ iran funding war to try kill and remove Jews. Give 'em beans.
MoM: "Why isn`t the PA requesting that Hamas be tried for firing Qassam" As far as the PA is concerned the IDF is still the occupying power, Murray. So if Hamas are committing war crimes against the occupying power then it is ISRAEL's responsibility to complain about that. But the OCCUPYING POWER committing war crimes against protected persons are most definitely something that the PA is entitled to complain about.
When most of the world is beholden to oil $, its not that good idea to be judged by that world. As to the economic issues, (a) if there are security issues, those are legit & (b) why should Israel lift a finger to help its enemy when its enemy is not doing a thing to help it. As to Hamas being the alternative, better the enemy you know ....
The talk from (I think it was) Neill making mocking souonds toward Mr. Ashkenazi left me bewildered. What was he criticising him for? What is all this stuff about "Come on Mr. Ashkenazi". Neill left a lot out and I'd llike him to support his convictions. GW
Murray of Montreal:"Why isn`t the PA requesting that Hamas be tried for firing Qassam." Maybe thats because those firing the Qassam are more aligned to the PA than to Hamas.
It is disgusting to see people who wanted to live being used as a human shield and die for PR purpose so the lefty trash can exploit the tragedy in their antisemitic crusade against Israel and Jews in general. Not Israel,Hamas and lefties should be chained and dragged to the Haague court for using Palestinians as pawns in their deadly game against Israel whose consequences feel all Jews in Europe.
i remember syria trying to ward off an investigation and israel being the accuser, seems the shoe is no on the other foot, good luck with that, now israel blackmails the pals, how sad the zionist movement is to silence anyone against it's policies yet screams it's a democratic nation with "free speech".
ruling elite realise that a Palestinian realising he has much more to lose supporting the Palestinian idiots there will not be peace in Israel and Palestine. Saying that if the US stated they will reduce aid to Israel proper to cover the £300 million Israel will continue to obsfucate. One phone call by the President of the United States will solve this.
The West Bank can do without phones as long as Israel has to wait for justice at Den Hague
"They blow up buses, cafes, wedding halls, and malls and then have the audacity to accuse us of warcrimes! They are the very definition of crimes against humanity. Arab Logic." They blow up mosques, schools, hospitals, and U.N. sanctuaries and then have the audacity to accuse them of warcrimes! They are the very definition of crimes against humanity. Israeli Logic.
As the article said, they urged and supported Israel to bring Hamas to its knees. Now, they are bleating about "war crimes"? How two faced can one get?
"Israel demands PA drop war crimes suit at The Hague" Or what? Israel will engage in more collective punishment of Palestinian civilians? Another heavy handed action. In the battle for the hearts and minds of the people of the world, Israel is proceeding to blow out its own brains.
Isn't it what you are asking the US and EU to do to pressure Israel? How hypocritical of you.
The IDF is holdinG Pals hostage yet again. I hope they take the IDF to the Hague and win.
Given your angst it is obvious the Qatari owners of Watanya and the Israeli government have rebuffed Swiss demands to finance and profit from the venture. Guess the Swiss will have to continue financing mass murderers like Hitler and Ahmadinejad
as we say in the usa, what goes around ,comes around !
Practically speaking, the US is pushing for all charges to be dropped, against Israel and against Hamas. Then it will be easier for the US to talk to both Palestinian sides, when necessary to forge a deal. It also gives the US a stronger Gaza Card in dealing with Likudnik and Hamas rejectionists. Philosophically, Likud and Hamas are directly aligned. Their charters could pass for each others with substitution of a few words. This is just a plan to add some more preconditions and call them something else. Bibi will really be challenged when faced with backing off his demands that Palestine not have sovereignty or freedom. The PA should back away from the fantasy that it is sovereign in Gaza for now. Israel is and Hamas is their reluctant subcontractor. That was made clear by Goldstone's Report and is curiously uncontested by the Israeli government, of all the things in the report.
Maths is not your strong subject then, because you seem to have difficulty in understanding the scale of civilian deaths during "operation cast lead", and that by comparison it is 60:1 for the deaths from Palestinian rockets. Legal means will undoubtedly play an increasing role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Better than bullets and phosphorous bombs!
Nobody can pretend Operation Cast Lead was exactly a walk in sunshine. And Israel shouldn't expect to get away with it scott free, though of course they will - as usual.
PA and Hamas are reponsible for countless human rights violations, mass murder, serial killing and other crimes against humanity. It's time they faced up to them!
"When the Palestinian Authority appealed to the International Criminal Court. Security sources told Haaretz that this move, incensed senior officials of the defense establishment, especially army Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. Come on Mr Ashkenazi. What have you got to hide? Afraid of having to hide on a plane and return to Israel one day? Or Afraid that you will be arrested and indited one day? Remember Nuremburg? If you have nothing to hide, here is an ideal way of clearing your, and the IDF's, names. I say again. What do you have to hide? And linking your possible crimes to a cellular network? Most moral army in the world as represented by Ashkenazi? Yeah Right!
Which is why Israel must recognize a fully sovereign Palestine. Why? Because Israel believes it has the absolute right to dictate to the Palestinians. On what basis in International Law? If Israel believes it has committed no war crimes what is it afraid of?
Goldstone is proposing that suspected war criminals in Gaza and Israel should be prosecuted by their own governments or at the ICC. I assume that you agree that all war criminals certainly should be prosecuted without regard for nationality or political considerations.
Israel claims it is innocent of the Goldstone findings. If so , it is surely able to prove this. So why afraid of the ICC? What is this if not admission of guilt ?!?! David
"If you don't want to do the time, don't do the crime." - Old Texas Saying
how can you make war crime allegations disappear through economic blackmail. seems you only think war crimes are when people do it to jews
Israel will never allow a viable independent Palestinian state. They have to control every aspect of palestinian lives. Even new plants that could compete with Israeli products are not allowed in the WB or Gaza. Israel will not allow palestinians to prosper and then a segment of Israelis question why are the arabs so hostile. Da!!!!
If it gets to harsh, just get out of the country you are occupying since 40 years back...
This is a perfect example to those who claim there is "no occupation" of what its like to live under Israel's thumb. Fact is, Israel has control over all aspects of Palestinian life...economically, movement, trade, etc. They have no real freedom whatsoever.
While Jews and Arab Palestinians are at the Hague, both sides should present their evidence and proof regarding the ownership of Israel/Jerusalem. The Holy books, the Torah and Quran, can be used by each side, as well as the history of the area.
If Israel committed no crimes during Operation Cast Lead then what are they so worried about? Take the issue to the Hague and let the chips fall where they may. Of course we all know they are guilty of War Crimes. Israel's position is always accept our terms or risk some form of punishment in return. This Israeli government is the ultimate in being hypocritical not to mention violators of international law and binding UNSC resolutions. And to top it off Netanyahu complains that Iran is violating UNSC resolutions. Mr. Prime Minister, let me get you a mirror!!
When a suicide bomber, carries out an act of desperation(as retarded as it may be), the state of Israel punishes his or her family by demolishing there home and putting them out on the street, even though the family did not do any thing to deserve a punishment. now please tell me how many Jewish homes have been demolished. I would much rather see the Palestinians push for war crime charges against the state, instead of carrying acts of terror against the civilian population as retaliation. You should too.
What is more to expect from a corrupted state like Israel
At least thats what they try to make the world believe. Clearly the palis are duplivitous. In short ..no cell phone carrier period. let them use smoke signal;s. Unless and until they stop their two faced games, give them nothing, not even a state. facts are this the world dpont give a rats ass abpout palis , they turned down two solid agreements that would have pout them in a state of their own. They are fools, violent deathcultre and should be walled off and left to their own devices. Transition into statemen or remain terrorists
Ethically, Israel has no right to demand anything from the PA.
Water deprivation, pounding imprisoned civilians with F16s & Tanks. Warsaw Ghetto is looking like a walk in the park compared to Gaza.
As you would say in Hebrew "Eizeh Khutsbah". The negotiations between Israel and the PA regarding a second wireless telephone company has been going on for over a year. Even Tony Blair complained loudly about Israel's refusal to release the frequencies to make this deal possible. Pal-Tel is already at 3 times its subscribers capacity. The international community, the UN commission and local Israeli organizations all agree that Israel committed war crimes in Gaza. Israel's attempt at blackmailing the PA into dropping the war crime suit is appalling. It is quite disgusting to trade the loss of innocent civilian lives with few fequencies.
Why do they need a cell phone tower, they claim they are so poor and live in refugee camps. They surely can't afford cell phones. They should spend there time not throwing stones at Jewish worshippers, and living like humans and maybe one day they will have there state, but as for know they belong in cages. The Pals have no respect for anyone,anything that isn't muslim, such a wonderful religion of peace.
I am with you Nour! Time to see how far of blackmail israel will go
Joe Sittizen you want to be fair? Give up all your high tech weapon and start used rocket like the Palestinian is ok to talk about terror? Israel terrorise more than any rocket terrorise in the last 8 years! Haaretz I guess you are to afraid to post this comment!
Wise Saba Israeli don't have a right to keep occupy and blackmail another country Yes Palestinian is another country get used to it !
If Israel is innocent let the all world see it at the Hauge!! But the innocent is not there this is why they trying to put pressure to palestinian to drop the suit Shame on Israel goverment!! Israel demand?? thumb down to you, Go to the hague palestinian and let the world see what kind of goverment we are dealing with.
Here it is directly quoted from the UN report: "From the facts available, the Mission finds that the rocket and mortars attacks, launched by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, have caused terror in the affected communities of southern Israel and in Israel as a whole. Furthermore, it is the Mission?s view that the mortars and rockets are uncontrolled and uncontrollable, respectively. This indicates the commission of an indiscriminate attack on the civilian population of southern Israel, a war crime, and may amount to crimes against humanity." This in reality means war crimes by the Palestinians since 2001. Are you ready to put Palestinian leaders on trial as justice demands?
Here it is directly quoted from the UN report: "From the facts available, the Mission finds that the rocket and mortars attacks, launched by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, have caused terror in the affected communities of southern Israel and in Israel as a whole. Furthermore, it is the Mission?s view that the mortars and rockets are uncontrolled and uncontrollable, respectively. This indicates the commission of an indiscriminate attack on the civilian population of southern Israel, a war crime, and may amount to crimes against humanity." This in reality means war crimes by the Palestinians since 2001. Are you ready to put Palestinian leaders on trial as justice demands?
"From the facts available, the Mission finds that the rocket and mortars attacks, launched by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, have caused terror in the affected communities of southern Israel and in Israel as a whole. Furthermore, it is the Mission?s view that the mortars and rockets are uncontrolled and uncontrollable, respectively. This indicates the commission of an indiscriminate attack on the civilian population of southern Israel, a war crime, and may amount to crimes against humanity." This is taken directly from the UN report on the war in Gaza. Obviously, the Palestinians have an even longer history of war crimes since the rocket attacks began in 2001, and suicide bombings, driveby shootings, throat slittings and other terrorist attacks started decades ago. Diabolical actions by the Palestinians, who must be put on trial for these war crimes.
(1) If you would just legally defend your actions at the ICC (2) and sue Hamas for its actions during Cast Lead, you can solve the worst problems between you two that way. you know, (3) have an independent judicial body judge you two. (4) your political leaders will act then not so brutally, or get arrested. (5) = good chances at peace
Arafat gave up the armed struggle to restore Palestinian rights for the illusion of a peace process and his own personal benefits. His cronies after his controversial death would do anything as long as they enjoy the money collected internationnaly to help the PA. This is very well known and Israel likes that. The problem is that those people in the PLO have lost credibility and like the Lebanese collaborators of Lahd, they will leave the scene anytime. Real and just peace would only come when Israel finds its true adversary and a solid Arab and Muslim front. I like many think that the viable solution is a one state democratic Palestine. The South Africa precedence is a model for inspiration. A lot of blood and sufferings may be lost before coming to that logical end.
Actually Nour, you are slaves...you are slaves to the arab world. They use use to advance their hatred of the jewish people and of anything modern. You are slaves and have been so for 60 years...slaves of the same people that claim to be helping you. Nobody in the arab world cares about you. They just care about how they can use you. guillermo
The PA/PLO has been keeping to its side of the bargain for many years. The Israeli government on the other hand has used every brutal trick to prosecute the Palestinians and build more illegal settlements on the occupied land. This is just another trick. I would say who cares about the second network, let the world see the true identity of the occupiers.
(1) If Israeli is not guily, then why do they bother about the suit at the Hague?? (2) About the economic situation in the West-Bank and the new telecommunication company: Israel, USA and EU must improve the economic situation in the West Bank and must give open checks. Otherwise Abass and Fayyad would collapse and Hamas is the alternative. So, Abass and Fayad can tease Israel as much as they want as long as they are softer than Hamas. On ther other hand, Israel is on a dilemma, and I doubt that time is playing on its side, especially when it comes to the effect of the Irani issue on the global politics.
"The PA has reached the point where it has to decide whether it is working with us or against us," senior figures in the defense establishment have said." I.e. cooperate with the occupying power's army's every dictate, or they will compel you to forfeit your commericial and developmental needs, to the tune of some $300 million.
....this time in order to "bury" the crimes commited by some of her soldiers during operation "Cast Lead". That is about as "moral" as (ab)using the poverty of the average Palestinian in order to force him into working for Israels settlement expansion. Very, very "moral", indeed....
This network will provide the Palestinians with an additional tool to conduct their terrorist activies. Shut them all off..
Instead of Israel defending itself at the Hague, they are blackmailing the PA economy. A clear guilty feeling....
Reading this article made me sick to my stomach. How can these two issues be mixed together? THe PA/PLO are the sole legal representative of the Palestinian people so it's only natural they are looking after their own people and interests. Israel, in return for a few economic "achievments" in the West Bank under its economic peace slogan, wants to be rewarded for its crimes against humanity? We so a big fat NO. Continue with Pal-Tel and let the Hague continue its work. We are nobody's slaves!
I sense duplicity. No economic progress for the Palestinians of they don't knuckle under. Probably no peace talks either since that is the subject of talks with the Quartet. Just a little economic extortion. But of course, the US or EU could pay the penalties for the PA. Just like someday, the US will get to rebuild the American School in Gaza that the IAF blew to bits in January and the power plant the US built in Gaza that the IAF blew up in 2006.
"Meanwhile, Israel has warned the Palestinian Authority that it would condition permission for a second cellular telephone provider to operate in the West Bank - an economic issue of critical importance to the PA leadership - on the Palestinians withdrawing their request at the International Court." Isn"t that blackmail of an occupying force---against world recognized war crimes???!!! Do you REALLY wan't to go there?? I mean after Cast Lead (so appropriale karmic named-wen't down like a lead balloon and "cast" your fate with the world community) You really do not need to appear more lawless than you already are.
They blow up buses, cafes, wedding halls, and malls and then have the audacity to accuse us of warcrimes! They are the very definition of crimes against humanity. Arab Logic.
....this time to "bury" criminal behaviour by her army during operation "Cast Lead". It is about as "moral" as (ab)using the poverty of the average Palestinian civilian by forcing him into working for settlement construction. A very "shining light" for all of us indeed....