Gaza commander cancels UK study for fear of arrest

Decision based on previous British warrant for arrest of former Gaza commander.

By YAAKOV KATZ
Fearing arrest, Brig.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi decided Sunday to cancel plans to study in England over the summer after the IDF Judge Advocate General recommended he refrain from entering the United Kingdom. Kochavi, the Gaza Division Commander, was enrolled for studies at the Royal College of Defense Studies. Kochavi has held a series of senior field positions including head of the Paratrooper's Brigade and was supposed to be the only IDF officer to attend the prestigious academy this summer. Following a recommendation by Judge Advocate General Brig.-Gen. Avi Mandelblit, Kocahvi decided to cancel his trip and not to risk the chance of being arrested and tried for war crimes. Mandelblit based his decision on a warrant that was put out half-a-year-ago for the arrest of former OC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. (res.) Doron Almog who landed in London but refrained from disembarking the plane after learning that police were waiting in the airport to arrest him.