Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tel Aviv (Agenzia Fides)- The power of democracy includes freedom to criticise government action and Israel is no exception. There is growing criticism of that country’s foreign policy and national security policy, particularly with regard to dialogue with the Palestinians.
The debate is general, including also members of the army, mainly reserves, in daily contact with civil society. A great impact on public opinion was made by news of words written in Arabic on the walls of an Israeli military intelligence base, expressing shame for the incursion in Beit Hanun, northern Gaza Strip on 8 November when 19 Palestinians were killed and several dozen wounded by Israeli bombs hitting the wrong target. “We are on your side, be strong, despite your suffering” were the words written by unidentified Israeli soldiers military on walls at the military intelligence base at Glilot, in the outskirts of Tel Aviv. One of the soldiers confirmed that the attack on Beit Hanun gave rise to fierce discussion and concern.
“We are not robots” said a woman soldier member of the army whose regulations allow military to disobey orders openly in contrast with humanitarian laws. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 11/12/2006 righe 23 parole 275)
