What It Is About
Israel’s top military lawyer, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, addressed the Israeli airstrike on Rafah on Monday, emphasizing the gravity of the incident and reassuring that a thorough investigation is underway. The airstrike, according to Gaza health authorities, is claimed to have caused significant civilian casualties.
Why It Matters
This announcement comes amidst ongoing international scrutiny and allegations against Israel concerning the incident. Maintaining transparency and adherence to international law is crucial for Israel’s global standing and the credibility of its defense operations.
The Incident
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike targeted two senior Hamas terrorists. However, the attack unintentionally impacted an area in Rafah’s Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood, where many civilians were taking refuge. This incident has attracted significant international criticism.
Humanity Amidst Conflict
Maj. Gen. Tomer-Yerushalmi reiterated the IDF’s regret over any noncombatant harm and underscored Israel’s commitment to investigating incidents rigorously. She highlighted Israel’s transparent and independent mechanisms for reviewing such claims, affirming its dedication to law and order even during warfare.
Ongoing Efforts
There are also ongoing investigations into the treatment of detainees at the Sde Teiman base, following allegations of severe abuse. Seventy Military Police investigations have been launched to address suspicions of criminal offenses, reflecting Israel’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and human rights.
Broader Context
Humanitarian Challenges
Israel is engaged in a complex and sensitive war against Hamas, an enemy that uses civilians as human shields. The current situation unfolded from an intense conflict initiated by Hamas’s severe attacks on October 7, in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and many were taken hostage.
International Legal Battle
Maj. Gen. Tomer-Yerushalmi also discussed developments at international legal fronts, including charges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israel. She critiqued the allegations of genocide and civilian harm as baseless and highlighted the moral disparities between Hamas’s actions and Israel’s ethical conduct during the conflict.
Operations in Rafah
The IDF’s operations in Rafah are part of its broader mission to neutralize Hamas. While an ambiguous ICJ order sought to halt operations risking civilian harm, Israeli officials stated that it allows for the continuation of the offensive with necessary precautions.
What’s Next
Commitment to Ethics and Law
Maj. Gen. Tomer-Yerushalmi asserted that any violations by IDF troops are exceptional, not reflective of a deliberate policy. The overarching commitment of the IDF is to conduct itself lawfully and morally amid warfare, integrating these principles into its very ethos since its establishment.
A Resilient Legal Front
The efforts of Israel’s military and legal system to investigate and ensure justice demonstrate the nation’s resilience under international pressure and its steadfast adherence to the rule of law, reinforcing why Israel remains respected for its legal and ethical standards in military operations.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.