From link. Note the word “alleged”. From what I’ve read so far, there is one alleged incident.
https://twitter.com/Mr_Andrew_Fox/status/1817980047531147282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
@Mr_Andrew_Fox
Well, after the IDF’s prompt and appropriate reaction to reports of prisoner abuse today, now seems a good time to tell you about the Israeli military justice system.
It’s headed up by Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi. She is the Military Advocate General and her department is known as the MAG. Think JAG for Americans or Army Legal Service for Brits.
Interestingly, the Major General in charge is appointed to the role by the Minister of Defence (a civilian). Unlike many other comparable armies, MAG legal advice is binding on IDF commanders. Certainly in the US and UK, the equivalent is advisory (although a commander would be a fool to chin off their legal advisor’s advice).
MAG lawyers sit outside the IDF chain of command. They sit at divisional level and above, which I think is potentially a flaw. Certainly in the UK they sit one level down at brigade - but then again, we don’t often fight in divisions as the IDF do. We’re too small…
The MAG follows the usual path of a criminal investigation. Credible allegation of a crime > investigation > indictment > conviction. Sanctions for the IDF are just like other armies: dismissal, reduction in rank, fines, compensation. The standard stuff.
What hugely complicates investigations at the moment is the fact there is a war ongoing. No sterile crime scenes, no body, minimal forensic evidence, a variety of diverse incidents involving artillery, air support and ground combat, all during a war of unprecedented (for Israel) complexity and magnitude.
This case will have been acted upon swiftly because it is far easier to investigate than a crime in a war zone.
The test for Israel’s military justice system will be to resist any political pressure. Reassuringly, both Minister of Defence Gallant and the IDF Chief of Staff, General Halevi (ie their top officer) have already expressed their support for the MAG:
“Halevi said he supports the investigation by Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi and the Military Police into the suspected abuse: “It is precisely these investigations that protect our soldiers in Israel and the world and preserve the values of the IDF”.”
There is no excuse for prisoner abuse, and the kind alleged is unforgivable. Time for the MAG to step up and get justice for the prisoners who were so shockingly mistreated, and prove to the world the IDF is the moral army they say they are. Prosecuting criminals in their ranks is what moral armies do.
There is no excuse for prisoner abuse, and the kind alleged is unforgivable. Time for the MAG to step up and get justice for the prisoners who were so shockingly mistreated, and prove to the world the IDF is the moral army they say they are. Prosecuting criminals in their ranks is what moral armies do.
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The atrocities committed against Israel and her people is bound to incite rage and retribution by individuals sometime or another.
Not sure I can judge them for it. I love Gods people and I will not be swayed by this news.