Mofaz invoked 'Intifada Law' to exempt IDF from victims' claims

[Englander]

By Yuval Yoaz, Haaretz Correspondent

Outgoing Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz took advantage of his authority under the so-called "Intifada Law" to exempt the Israel Defense Forces almost entirely from liability for casualties or property damage in the territories since September 2000.

Haaretz reached this conclusion after examining the "declarations about conflict zones" that Mofaz issued in recent months, following the passage of an amendment nine months ago to the Torts Law (Liability of the State), dubbed the "Intifada Law."

Human rights organizations have asked the High Court of Justice to annul the law, arguing that it violates basic rights and international law. Defense Ministry officials counter that "the declarations are proportionate to the greatest possible extent and are not general and sweeping." A hearing is scheduled for two months from now.

The Knesset passed the amendment that came to be known as the Intifada Law in July 2005. Like a similar law passed during the first intifada, this amendment enables the state to avoid suits and payment of compensation for damage sustained by Palestinians during the armed conflict.

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