Knesset Approves Amona Investigative Committee
Excerpts;
“Knesset approved on Wednesday the formation of a parliamentary investigative committee into the evacuation of the Amona outpost three weeks ago. The committee will be a subcommittee of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.”
“The formation of the committee was approved by a vote of 31 to 20, with Likud and right-wing parties all voting in support while Kadima and left-wing parties voted against.”
“The results were seen as a blow to Olmert, who told the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee earlier on Wednesday morning that the investigative committee would in any case be unable to function until the elections. He added that, were he to form the next government, he would have the right to veto the formation of the committee in the next Knesset. He hinted he might use that right.”
“Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Yuval Steinitz (Likud) said in response to the decision, ‘The decision of the Knesset reflects the questions that remain regarding the implementation of the evacuation. The Knesset committee is proud to carry out the mandate given it by the speaker of the Knesset.'”
“Representatives of the Labor and Meretz parties commented that the formation of the investigative committee was a blow to Israel’s security forces and not a blow for justice.”
Yahalom Says Probe Vote is ‘No-Confidence’ Vote
Earlier Wednesday, this report appeared in the Jerusalem Post;
Knesset C’tee to Discuss Amona Investigation
Full Text;
“The Knesset House Committee on Wednesday began to discuss demands by right-wing MKs to establish a parliamentary investigative committee to investigate the violence events of the Amona otupost evacuation three weeks ago.”
“Internal Security Minister Gideon Ezra told the Knesset on Wednesday that the instructions given to the evacuation forces were identical to those given for the evacuation of Gush Katif in August 2005.”
“Ezra added that he was disappointed that the Knesset was getting involved in the issue.”
And in a related story;
Policeman Indicted for Attacking Right-Wing Protestors
Full Text:
“An indictment is being filed against Israel Police Superintendent Yechiel Amsalam, who stands accused of brutally attacking right-wing protesters at a recent Jerusalem demonstration.“
“Evidence in the case indicates that Amsalam kicked 24-year-old Avshalom Levy in his face, as well as assaulting a girl without provocation — strangling her and dragging her away from an entrance to the capital where the anti-government rally took place.“
“Levy told investigators that after witnessing the attack against the girl, he moved in to read the police officer’s nametag, explaining that is when he was assaulted.”