John Lyons, Middle East correspondent | January 27, 2009
ISRAEL will offer legal assistance for any soldiers individually accused of war crimes following the 22-day war in the Gaza strip.
The cabinet made the decision yesterday as various individuals and groups considered prosecutions against Israeli Defence Force soldiers if they could prove they were involved in certain incidents.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, announcing the decision to give legal protection, said the reason for the possible actions was that "terrorist organisations and Hamas" were trying to "settle accounts" with Israel.
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon has demanded those responsible for hitting the UN compound in Gaza, where 700 civilians were taking refuge, be brought to account.
And human rights groups such as Amnesty International are examining aspects of the war -- such as the possible use of white phosphorus shells -- to see whether war crimes prosecutions should be brought.
Palestinian doctors have said that the types of burns many suffered were consistent with the use of such shells, which are banned under international law. Israel has denied using such shells and insisted it acted within international law.
More than 1300 Palestinians were killed during the war and more than 5400 injured. Doctors say 437 children were killed. Thirteen Israelis died -- ten soldiers and three civilians.
Mr Olmert said: "Israel will give full support to everyone who operated for it and on behalf of it. The commanders and soldiers who were sent to Gaza need to know that they are safe from various tribunals."
"Terrorist organisations and Hamas" were wrong if they believed Israel would allow Hamas to fire rockets at civilians in southern Israel and not respond.
"Now, after the operation, the organisations are trying to settle accounts with the state of Israel, and one of the central arenas in which they are do so is the arena of international law, by means of the moralistic diplomatic tact that characterises these groups."
Defence Minister Ehud Barak, referring to concern among some groups inside Israel about the war, said soldiers would be protected from "self-flagellation" in Israel.