"he Israeli human rights group B'Tselem won a victory over the army in Israel's Supreme court Wednesday when a stronger indictment was unanimously ordered against a commander who was complicit in the abuse of a Palestinian protester, Ashraf Abu Rahmeh, in July 2008, the Christian Science Monitor reports. The ruling is the latest installment in an ongoing clash between the Israeli court and the Israeli political right, who considers the court to be too liberal and activist. From CSM: The ruling comes as right-wing allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are seeking to change the makeup of the court, considered one of the last governmental bastions of Israeli liberalism." - Myrna from Bookmarklet

Two sad facts: One- is that such incidents happen daily but this one was different as it was filmed, no one even claim it is an exception. Two- people reactions within Israel is not of shock, not even troubled by the fact the officer was then trying to hide his act and put all blame on the soldier who shot at his own order. Take the picture out of local context, place it in Iran, and imagine the soldiers to be Iranian soldiers, and the blind folded guy to be a demonstrator, and immediately everyone here will feel sympathy. - Roni Segoly

So why all this sympathy for Iran and they don't see in their own backyard? - Myrna

Its not the issue of not seeing your own backyard, its the fact that when you (or your people) are directly involved, you are closing your heart and mind to other people suffering. In 2000 Arabs demonstrated in Israel for civil rights, the police shot, more people were killed than in Tehran riots, in Gaza war we killed more than 1400 people in two weeks, but when you ask typical Israeli, he will always say it is self defence, or 'they started'. Sympathy to the weak stop when you are directly involved. - Roni Segoly

Well, sorry to say but Israel will have to pay for their non compassion. Everyone pays in the end! - Myrna

Yes true, and that is why we wrote here, to let people know. But such reaction is not typical to Israel only, it is human, you will feel sympathy to all weal people in the world except those in your own backyard. you will support the weak unless you are involved and then..... - Roni Segoly

Hm, right-wing activists whining about the court system... where have I heard that story before? - John (a.k.a. dendroica)

Roni, what about Avrum Burg? I saw him on Charlie Rose and liked what he said but most Israelis don't like him. - Myrna

Myrna, I do not know him so well. And I avoid reading about local politics although he is not involved for some years. I know he talks nicely but when it came to actions he was never a leader. - Roni Segoly