(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Wednesday, 6 February 2013),
received the second half of the Turkel
Commission report, which evaluated the manner in which the State of Israel
examines and investigates allegations that it has violated the laws of armed
conflict.
Retired Justice Jacob Turkel, who chaired the Commission, said, "The
Committee determined that the examination and investigation mechanisms for
complaints and allegations of violations regarding the existing laws of armed
conflict in Israel are, generally, in keeping with the obligations of the State
of Israel and are in accordance with the rules of international law. However,
the Commission believes that in certain areas there is room for improvement
vis-à-vis the examination and investigation mechanisms. In some areas, there is
room for changes in the accepted policy. The view of the Commission is that the
implementation of the recommendations will contribute to improved efficiency in
the examination and investigation mechanisms as per the norms of enlightened
nations."
Commission observer Lord David Trimble said, "When taken as a whole, looking at
the Israeli legal system, it will pass muster with the best in the world. Not to
say that there are things that can't be improved, that's the case in all
systems. But I think you'll be very pleased with this report and I think the
people of Israel should also."
Commission observer Prof. Tim McCormack said, "I know that no other study is [as]
comprehensive as this on the international legal obligations relating to
investigation on accountability for alleged violation of international
humanitarian law. I've learned a great deal myself from being involved in the
process of the commission and the preparation of the report and I think the
State of Israel should be very proud of this contribution to the study of a very
important area of the law."
Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "I welcome the Commission's determination
that, in general, the investigation mechanisms in Israel operate in accordance
with the standards set in international law. We will consider the areas in which
the Commission has made recommendations regarding changes and improvements.
The establishment of the Commission and the mandate that it received underscore how determined we are to
continue operating according to international standards. This is despite the
fact that we must deal, in various spheres, with terrorist organizations that
rudely trample on the principles of international law. Some of our enemies
perpetrate two-fold war crimes, when they fire at civilian populations from
inside civilian populations. Israel is fighting for its life but will do so - as
much as possible - in accordance with the international rules.
The Government would like to thank Commission Chairman Justice (ret.) Jacob Turkel and the honored members of the
Commission: Prof. Miguel Deutch, Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Amos Horev, and Amb. Reuven
Merhav, for their dedicated, professional and thorough work. We would also like
to thank the international observers, Lord David Trimble, Prof. Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Kenneth Watkin and Prof. Tim McCormack
for agreeing to participate in this important commission and for their excellent
work.
In accordance with the mandate that the Commission received from the
Government of Israel, it received the full cooperation of all relevant bodies,
including the IDF, the Israel Police, the ISA, the Prison Service and the
Justice Ministry, and I have no doubt that this greatly contributed to the
writing of a comprehensive and exhaustive report."