Will summon PM. Turkel
Photo: Haim Zach
Turkel Committee launches probe: PM first to testify
Panel appointed to investigate IDF flotilla raid holds first meeting in Jerusalem. We are determined to have a thorough probe, say foreign observers from North Ireland, Canada
The Turkel Committee, tasked with investigating the May 31 commando raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla, held its first meeting on Monday and announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be summoned first to testify.
Committee Chairman retired Supreme Court Justice Jacob Turkel introduced the committee members – former Technion president Amos Horev and international law expert Prefessor Shabtai Rozen.
The two foreign observers who will sit alongside the panel are William David Trimble – a politician who led the peace agreement in north Ireland and former Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Canadian Forces Ken Watkin.
The two observers said they were privileged to be a part of the committee, and noted their determination to conduct a thorough probe.
After receiving Watkin and Trimble at the airport, Trukel said Monday morning that he intends to summon the prime minister, defense minister and chief of staff to testify before the committee. The committee hearings will be open to the press.
Upon the appointment of the committee, Netanyahu said, " I am convinced that revealing the evidence will prove that our aim was an appropriate defense operation of the highest standard."
