Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has promised that he will protect Israeli soldiers from facing any charges for war crimes committed in Gaza:
"The commanders and soldiers that were sent on the task in Gaza should know that they are safe from any tribunal and that the State of Israel will assist them in this issue and protect them as they protected us with their bodies during the military operation in Gaza," he said.Given the very serious questions which have arisen about Israel's behaviour in Gaza - behaviour which has included deliberately shelling schools full of civilians, ordering civilians into a house and then shelling it, and the use of white phosphorus to melt the skin off children - this can only be regard as complete and utter contempt for both international law and justice, not to mention its obligations under the Geneva Conventions. Israel has basically announced itself to be an outlaw state. But they will no doubt be quick to claim the protection of the law should any offence be committed against them.
