A-G rejects external probe of Cast Lead

Mazuz's assistant says army conducting its own inquiry into civilian casualties during Gaza offensive.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
shifa hospital gaza hamas 248 (photo credit: AP [file])
shifa hospital gaza hamas 248
(photo credit: AP [file])
The Attorney-General's office on Wednesday rejected a plea that Israel establish an external apparatus to investigate deaths and injuries to civilians during Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. In a response to the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz's assistant Raz Nizri wrote that the IDF had already begun the process of investigation, including inquiries into civilian casualties in Gaza. "These inquiries, which are being carried out by senior officers appointed by the Chief of General Staff, will be transferred as is customary to the IDF advocate-general," Nizri wrote in his response. "As soon as conditions are ripe, a decision will be made as to whether any steps need to be taken." Nizri added that the findings would also have to go through Mazuz. The letter also emphasized that the IDF's actions conformed to international law and that it had only targeted terrorists and military targets that posed a threat to Israel's security. Nizri rejected the claim that an external apparatus was required because of the IDF advocate-general's extensive involvement in providing legal advice to the army during the war.