CMEP Bulletin: Security Threats and Human Rights

A group of high ranking Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) former officers and commanders and a former Mossad agency chief all spoke out last weekend against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s March 3rd speech to the US Congress saying it would endanger Israel’s ties with Washington and “it is a clear and present danger to the security of Israel.” IDF Central Command called up 3,000 reservists on Sunday for a surprise exercise in the West Bank to practice riot control techniques, kidnapping response methods and handling of improvised explosive devices. IDF’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories said IDF is preparing for potential civil unrest. Tensions in the West Bank have been high since Israel chose to withhold tax revenue it collects for the Palestinian Authority (PA) due to the Palestinian’s decision to apply for membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

UNICEF released a report on IDF treatment of “Children in Israeli Military Detention” last week. Unlike other organizations that review Israel’s record, UNICEF says its goal is “to translate criticism into concrete progress.” To achieve this UNICEF has engaged in dialogue with the IDF, which has made changes and reforms in response to UNICEF criticism. Despite improvements made by IDF as a result of this dialogue, the report still contains criticisms of Israel.

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