National Union MK Dr. Michael Ben-Ari spoke out Wednesday during a Knesset session on Operation Cast Lead and said that the pre-military academy which was responsible for rumors that IDF soldiers purposely targeted civilians should be closed. He added that from personal experience, he knows that the IDF is moral and refrains from hitting civilians.
The story began two weeks ago when the Rabin pre-military academy, headed by Danny Zamir, published accounts from alumni claiming that IDF soldiers targeted civilians during the operation. The story made headlines in Israeli papers before being publicized around the world. On Monday, the IDF concluded that the claims were based on hearsay and emphasized that the rumors had done great damage to the IDF’s image.
Ben-Ari said that Zamir’s academy should be closed. He put Zamir in the category of left-wing inciters who partner with Israel’s enemies, a category which according to Ben-Ari also includes B’Tzelem, Peace Now, and Machsom Watch, groups which he claimed “weaken our stand against our enemies.”
Before Ben-Ari spoke, Arab MK Mohammad Barakeh condemned the operation and claimed the IDF acted immorally. “Some people make a distinction between innocent civilians and those that are not,” he said, “I will tell you something outright – everyone who was killed was an innocent civilian – this was a war for nothing.”
Ben-Ari, unable to contain himself, yelled out, “You shot at our houses.” Barakeh yelled back, “Quiet down you Kahanist,” after which Ben-Ari shot back, “You terrorist, don’t tell me to be quiet.”
MK Nachman Shai from Kadima spoke during the session and emphasized that all IDF investigations conducted so far show that soldiers acted properly. On the other hand, Meretz MK Ilan Galon said he did not trust IDF investigators. Labor MK Matan Vilnai, who serves as deputy Minister of Defense, emphasized that the army acted morally. “I can tell you with complete confidence from personal knowledge that the rules of engagement are very clear and that the IDF carried them out to the full,” he said.