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Israeli pilots refuse to follow ZEALOUS orders to bomb civilians
The Two Fronts of the "Targeted Bombings" War19:23 Sep 30, ?03 / 4 Tishrei 5764 The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee issued a strong condemnation today of the 27 rebel pilots who wrote the infamous letter to Air Force Chief Gen. Dan Halutz. The pilots wrote that they will refuse "unethical orders" to bomb terrorists if these involve risking Arab civilian lives. The signatories have been widely criticized for putting the lives of Arabs above those of Israelis who are liable to be killed by the terrorists? murderous schemes. The committee accepted the proposal of Chairman Yuval Shteinitz to define the phenomenon of "refusal" as an "attempt to rebel during war time, and [as] a blow at Israeli democracy." The MKs resolved that the signatories should be discharged, and that the IDF Prosecutor?s Office should try them in court. A retired Air Force pilot, currently working for El Al Israel Airlines, informed Halutz last night that he retracts his signature from the letter. He explained that he was abroad when he was contacted to agree to the letter, and was unaware that it called to "refuse orders." The pilot explained that he is against the policy of "targeted killings," but opposes just as strongly the call to refuse orders. He was the second pilot to withdraw his signature - although another one joined in the meantime. Another front in the above "war" was opened this morning when a group of writers, musicians and actors - together with the extreme left-wing group Yesh Gvul [There?s a Limit/Border] - filed suit demanding a criminal investigation into last year?s bombing of terrorist leader Salah Shehada. The Israel Air Force raid in July 2002 claimed not only the Hamas terrorist, but also nine children, including three of his own, and his wife. Posted by: Bruce 2003-09-30 |
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