The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 1/26/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Moti Milrod The Associated Press Israelis, some wearing the national flag and others showing a picture of Israeli soldier Sgt. Gilad Schalit, center, who was captured by Hamas in 2006, take part in a rally in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday Jan. 22, 2009. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the war could help hasten the return of a captive Israeli soldier long held by Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli media said some Cabinet ministers have softened their positions on releasing dangerous Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the soldier, signaling the government is trying to work out a deal with Hamas ahead of elections next month.

JERUSALEM (AP) - Special legal teams will defend Israeli soldiers against potential war crimes charges stemming from civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip, the prime minister said Sunday, promising the country would "fully back" those who fought in the three-week offensive.

The move reflected growing concerns by Israel that officers could be subject to international prosecution, despite the army's claims that Hamas militants caused the civilian casualties by staging attacks from residential areas.

"''The state of Israel will fully back those who acted on its behalf," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said. "The soldiers and commanders who were sent on missions in Gaza must know that they are safe from various tribunals."

Speaking at the weekly meeting of his Cabinet, Olmert said Israel's justice minister would lead a team of senior officials to coordinate the legal defense of anyone involved in the offensive.

Israel launched its 22-day offensive to try to halt Hamas rocket fire on southern Israel. The assault killed 1,285 Palestinians, more than half of them civilians, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights counted. Thirteen Israelis, including three civilians, were also killed during the fighting, Israel said.

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