Amona Probe Aims to Draw Conclusions by Elections
Full Text;
“Right wing figures said on Thursday that the parliamentary investigative committee set up on Wednesday to look into the violence in Amona last week would aim to present their conclusions before the March 28 elections.”
“Such a deadline appeared quite unusual as this type of committee generally functions for years before any conclusions are drawn, Army Radio reported.”
“If the probe does not complete its work by the elections, it would have to be re-formed by the new government that will be sworn in.”
Knesset Establishes Commission to Investigate Amona Violence
Excerpts;
“The Knesset voted Wednesday to establish a commission of inquiry into alleged police brutality at Amona last week.”
“‘The responsibility lies with Ehud Olmert, with the acting prime minister,’ Likud MK Gideon Sa’ar said. ‘They announced that they were ready for a compromise – did anyone speak with them? Did anyone listen to the military officials who asked why the place was not closed off earlier?’ Sa’ar then turned to Olmert, who was sitting in the front row of the Knesset, demanding, ‘What are you afraid of? Why are you against allowing the Knesset to do its job and inspect the actions of the government? If everything was done legitimately – you shouldn’t be afraid of an investigation!’”
“’An investigatory committee is not aimed at the police officer who hit me, or against the horse that trampled me,’ Eitam, a former IDF general said. ‘The security establishment wanted a compromise, the Attorney General authorized such a move, and in my opinion there was one man who wanted this bloody spectacle,’ he said, gesturing toward Olmert.”
“Following the 37-32 vote, Knesset Speaker Ruby Rivlin warned that the decision is valid only for the current, outgoing Knesset. If the commission is not completed before the end of the Knesset’s current term, the next Knesset will not be bound to carry it out.”
Netanyahu Wants Gov’t Investigated Regarding Amona
Full Text;
“Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu wants the Amona investigation to include a probe into the political echelon, explaining the government holds primary responsibility for not agreeing to enter into talks with Yesha officials, who sought to prevent the conflict. Mr. Netanyahu made his remarks following a Knesset vote approving the establishment of an inquiry into the Amona expulsion.”
“The premiership candidate explained that Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert rejected all attempts at dialogue, which were intended to prevent the violence that occurred during the Amona expulsion.”
“Responding to Netanyahu’s statements, Kadima officials stated that he is just seeking to attract right-wing voters with his statements.”