Disregarding Reality, Yet Again

Disregarding Reality, Yet Again: The Human Rights Council Commission of

INSS Insight No. 717

Disregarding Reality, Yet Again:

The Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry Report

by Pnina Sharvit Baruch and Keren Aviram, INSS

The report by the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to examine the events surrounding Operation Protective Edge was published on June 22, 2015. As expected, the report criticizes Israel, concluding that its military operations violated the laws of armed conflict and expressing concern regarding the possible commission of war crimes.

In comparison to previous reports (such as the Goldstone report, which examined Operation Cast Lead), the new report is carefully worded. Yet despite the commission’s attempt to present the report as a professional and balanced document, the result is extremely problematic. The report’s misguided and unprofessional analysis of combat actions taken in populated areas is based on erroneous methodology, unrealistic expectations, and standards that exceed those contained in the laws of armed conflict and applied by other military forces in the world. This is potentially detrimental not only to Israel, but also to the ability of other law abiding countries to confront similar challenges of warfare.

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