While not admitting to a break with the rules of engagement, the Israeli army has reprimanded the officers responsible for authorizing the attack that struck a UN compound during 2008-2009 Israeli offensive, reports BBC.  The compound was shelled with white phosphorus artillery, the use of which was widely condemned following the war.  The officers in question have been charged with "exceeding their authority." 

36 of the 150 allegations of Cast Lead misconduct being considered by the Israeli military are moving forward for criminal investigations.  This case was not one of them: "In this particular case, it was not referred to criminal investigation, it wasn't decided that there was evidence of criminal wrongdoing and a reprimand was warranted," said government spokesman Mark Regev.

Both Hamas and the Israeli government have been charged to launch independent investigations into misconduct during Operation Cast Lead by the UN General Assembly.  They have until February 5 to outline their investigations.

Excerpt:

The officers were charged with "exceeding their authority" in ordering the use of the weapons in the attack.

An Israeli Defence Force spokesman said that the reprimand would be noted on their records and would be considered if they apply for promotion in future.

Brig Gen Eisenberg is still in command of Israel's Gaza division, and Col Malka has been moved to the West Bank under the same rank, according to the Reuters news agency.


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photo credit: Gw1 - Flickr

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