The IDF has appointed a panel to probe the IDF's response to a series of violent Arab riots on the Gaza-Israel border.
The panel, which will be led by Brigader-General Moti Baruch, will investigate whether the two riots, which resulted in more than 25 Arabs dead, was handled properly. If irregularities are found, the results of the investigation will be transferred to the IDF's Military Advocate General and the Military Police.
IDF officers stressed that panel was formed to help IDF officers avoid lawsuits in the International Criminal Court at the Hague and is not a sign that the shootings were unwarranted. "The investigation will work to back the troops," said an IDF officer.
The series of current events began two weeks ago when tens of thousands of Gazans rioted and burned tires on the border fence separating the Gaza Strip and Israel. IDF snipers killed 18 Arabs who were spotted trying to breach the fence and infiltrate Israel.
An estimated 20,000 people took part in a follow-up demonstration this past Friday, according to the Hamas-controlled Gazan Ministry of Health. Nine demonstrators were killed and 1,354 injured.