Shteinitz's bill is a response to the complaints filed with the courts of foreign states by far-left Yesh Gvul activists against a string of senior IDF commanders, alleging Israeli "war crimes." One such complaint almost lead to the arrest of Doron Almog in England this week.
Almog, a former Gaza Division commander, remained on board a plane that touched down in England and headed back home to Israel without disembarking after Israeli embassy officials warned him that if he entered the UK, Scotland Yard would place him in custody for alleged "war crimes against the Palestinians." The attorney who filed the charges is an Israeli, and the information on Almog was provided by Israeli far-left activists.
Similar complaints were filed against IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz, and former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon. Ya'alon was compelled to cancel a trip to England this week, as well.
Shteinitz's bill would protect soldiers and officers and their activities in official capacities in the IDF. Persons who file human-rights charges against such IDF soldiers in a foreign court would face up to three years imprisonment and a fine, according to the proposed law.
The actions of Yesh Gvul activists have been condemned by politicians on the Left and Right, deploring any attempt to portray IDF counter-terrorism operations as war crimes.
Almog, a former Gaza Division commander, remained on board a plane that touched down in England and headed back home to Israel without disembarking after Israeli embassy officials warned him that if he entered the UK, Scotland Yard would place him in custody for alleged "war crimes against the Palestinians." The attorney who filed the charges is an Israeli, and the information on Almog was provided by Israeli far-left activists.
Similar complaints were filed against IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz, and former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon. Ya'alon was compelled to cancel a trip to England this week, as well.
Shteinitz's bill would protect soldiers and officers and their activities in official capacities in the IDF. Persons who file human-rights charges against such IDF soldiers in a foreign court would face up to three years imprisonment and a fine, according to the proposed law.
The actions of Yesh Gvul activists have been condemned by politicians on the Left and Right, deploring any attempt to portray IDF counter-terrorism operations as war crimes.