Vermont Senator (Dem) Patrick Leahy along with 10 Congressman are calling on US Secretary of State to launch an investigation into alleged Israeli human rights violations perpetrated by the IDF.

In the letter dated February 17, 2016, the US elected officials call for a probe of both Israel and Egypt, recipients of US military aid, wishing to determine how this aid is being used amid reports of human rights violations.

The following is the response released by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu:

“The IDF and the Israel Police do not engage in executions. Israel’s soldiers and police officers defend themselves and innocent civilians with the highest moral standards against bloodthirsty terrorists who come to murder them.

“Where is the concern for the human rights of the many Israelis who’ve been murdered and maimed by these savage terrorists?

“This letter should have been addressed instead to those who incite youngsters to commit cruel acts of terrorism.”

Other elected officials also condemned the letter, including Yesh Atid party leader MK Yair Lapid, who expressed outrage over “anti-Semitic allegations” against Israel contained in the letter, demanding appropriate measures be taken against those responsible.

Responding to Netanyahu’s criticism, Leahy said that Israel, unlike Hamas, is subjected to scrutiny due to the fact that it is a recipient of US military aid.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)