Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi - Tag Search

We've posted a copy of the IDF's preliminary response (pdf) to the Goldstone Report -- though I would suggest that you don't even bother reading it, honestly.

Much of the 52-page document outlines how the IDF investigates allegations of war crimes and other criminal activity. It's useful background -- but also not particularly relevant to the allegations in the Goldstone Report. The presence of a well-conceived judicial system does not guarantee justice. (Just ask O.J. Simpson.)

The second half of the report summarizes the progress of dozens of ongoing investigations, some initiated by the IDF, others by the Goldstone Report.

While Fatah is focused on politics, Hamas is focused on another allegedly-imminent war with Israel. Fawzi Barhoum, a spokesman for the group, said Israel is trying to "justify a new aggression" in Gaza.

Barhoum seems to be responding to Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, the IDF's chief of staff, who said yesterday that Israel would launch a sequel to Operation Cast Lead unless people stop firing rockets from Gaza.

As I mentioned earlier, a Qassam rocket from Gaza landed in southern Israel yesterday -- at the same time Ashkenazi was giving his speech. Israeli media have recently been reporting that Hamas has new rockets with a 60-kilometer range, which would put Tel Aviv within range. Israeli intelligence claims the rockets came from Iran, though they haven't provided any proof.