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Source: http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/
IDF Responds to "Breaking the Silence" Claim of Gaza Rights Violations
[IDF Spokesperson, 15 July 2009] The IDF Spokesperson regrets that yet another human rights organization is presenting to Israel and the world a report based on anonymous and general testimonies, without investigating their details or credibility. This organization denied the IDF the minimal decency of allowing it to investigate the testimonies prior to the report's publication, while defaming and slandering the IDF and its commanders. The organization "Breaking the Silence" should urge those who made these claims to really "break their silence," and to present specific complaints to the IDF, and not hide behind general and anonymous statements. As with the testimonies made at the Rabin Military Academy several months ago, a considerable number of the testimonies in this report are also based on hearsay. The IDF engaged in the Gaza Operation after eight years of continuous rocket fire on Israel's southern communities, heavily affecting daily life. During the operation, the IDF succeeded in targeting the Hamas terror organization, increasing Israel's deterrence and restoring security to the area. The IDF is committed to investigating any claim, supported by facts, that is brought to its attention. The IDF expects every soldier and commander who feels that they have witnessed a violation of the IDF commands and regulations to turn to the appropriate authorities with all of the facts regarding the incident, in accord with their legal and moral obligations. The IDF operates on the foundation of uncompromising ethical values. From the investigations conducted by the IDF regarding the Gaza operation, it is clear that IDF soldiers operated in accord with international law, despite the complex and difficult fighting.