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An Israeli airstrike in Lebanon that killed three journalists and injured four others last month was most likely a deliberate attack on civilians and an apparent war crime.
New research reveals US equipment was used in this attack. Let’s discuss what this means.
For some time, this newsletter has been highlighting the Israeli military’s repeated atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon and noting the need for the US, UK, Germany, and other countries to stop supplying Israel with arms. The message is straightforward: “More Arms, More War, More Crimes.”
The fresh HRW research examines in detail an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon on October 25. The attack took place at the Hasbaya Village Club Resort in southern Lebanon, where more than a dozen journalists had been staying for over three weeks.
Human Rights Watch found no evidence of fighting, military forces, or military activity in the immediate area at the time of the attack.
Information our experts reviewed indicates the Israeli military knew or should have known journalists were staying in the area and in the targeted building. The Israeli military had the area under close surveillance, and they surely would have seen the journalists leave in cars marked “press” or “TV” to go out reporting day after day.
After initially stating its forces struck a building where “terrorists were operating,” the Israeli military said hours later “the incident is under review.” However, previous deadly attacks on journalists by Israel have had no consequences for the perpetrators, despite their serious legal implications.
The laws of war (international humanitarian law) prohibit attacks against civilians and civilian objects. Journalists are considered civilians.
Individuals who commit serious violations of the laws of war with criminal intent – that is, intentionally or recklessly – may be prosecuted for war crimes. Individuals may also be held criminally liable for assisting in, facilitating, aiding, or abetting a war crime.
Evidence at the scene, including remnants collected by HRW, reveals the air-dropped bomb was equipped with a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit. The JDAM is attached to air-dropped bombs and allows them to be guided to a target by using satellite coordinates, making the weapon accurate to within several meters. It’s made in the USA.
The US government needs to act here. Given the Israeli military’s repeated, unlawful attacks on civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, Washington should suspend weapons transfers to Israel. US officials’ failure to do so may make them complicit in war crimes.
