[LarryLied]

Israel would have to call in the UN or some peace group to make the offer of safe passage credible but if they arranged that and those inside refused, it does seem to let the IDF off the hook.

[history_matters]

One of the questions that I don't think has been answered is whether or not the PA still exists. If it does Bethlehem is Palestinian not Israeli. And the question of Israeli jurisdiction seems to be the problem in the negotiations that have been taking place. Had Israel made a formal declaration of war, then all bets are off, but because they didn't -- and it was very wise that they didn't -- I think they stand in a very gray place in terms of international law. Of course, as someone once said, "My jurisdiction is determined by the size of my gun."