Army official: If report targets officers – we'll petition High Court
Senior IDF official says that if Winograd report will contain personal conclusions against active-duty officers, army may petition High Court over matter. Meanwhile, military prepares media campaign to counter criticism
Hours before the release of Winograd Commission's war report is set to be released, the IDF is completing its preparations for the report's potential implications.
The main concern among army officials is that the report would personally target officers who are still serving.
"Our stance is very clear: Since the officers had not been given a chance to be heard and defend themselves (before the commission) – the commission has no authority to issue individual conclusions against them. If it does, the army would have to weigh its response," a senior official told net.
The official added that if officers are implicated by the report, the IDF may petition to the High Court of Justice over the matter. Furthermore, if the promotion of theses officers is affected, the army chief would also be approached.
Preparing for public criticism
Meanwhile, the military is also preparing for a media campaign to counter the anticipated criticism following the report.
This campaign will highlight the reforms that have taken place in the army since the war, including changes in the training system, emergency storages, the handling of reservists, approaches towards the use of force and the decision-making process, and the interaction between the senior military and political echelons.
Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Dan Harel met with senior reserve officers Tuesday to brief them on these changes, which were mostly the result of the internal inquiry conducted by the army in the war's aftermath.
