Now why is that not surprising!

The accusations against the IDF in relation to its action in Gaza are wide-spread - from many quarters.

It was said that the IDF would investigate what are, in the main, very serious allegations.

Given Israel's attitude to thumb its nose at anyone who dares criticise it, it comes as no surprise to read in Haaretz that the IDF has shut down its investigation into any misconduct by soldiers:

"Military Advocate General Brig. Gen. Avichai Mendelblit on Monday instructed the Military Police Investigation unit to close the inquiry into soldiers' accounts of alleged misconduct and serious violations of the army's rules of engagement during Operation Cast Lead.

He said it was unfortunate that the soldiers, who discussed their Gaza experiences in private on Feb. 13 at a military academy session which was later leaked verbatim to the media, had been careless about accuracy.

"It will be difficult to evaluate the damage done to the image and morals [of the armed forces] in Israel and the world", his statement said

In a press release issued Monday the army said that the preliminary Military Police investigation into the testimonies revealed that they "were based on hearsay and not first-hand experience."

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Mahler's Prodigal Son

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