The investigation comes as Benjamin Netanyahu is set to form a new right-wing government
By Yonat Friling
Shirin Abu Akleh, a Palestinian American journalist, died, and the United States is looking into it. Israel would not cooperate, according to Israel’s defense minister.
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid rejected the investigation on Tuesday, saying in a speech to Israel’s parliament that, “The Americans have been informed of our vehement protest at the proper levels. No investigation will be conducted into IDF personnel by the FBI or any other foreign agency, no matter how friendly.”
Added he, “A moral and ethical army, the IDF. IDF troops and their leaders protect the Jewish State of Israel. They are devoted to the principles and rules of democracy and conduct thorough investigations into any anomalous event.”
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz initially announced on Monday that an impartial investigation into the shooting and death of Abu Akleh had been started by the U.S. Department of Justice. The FBI will reportedly handle the investigation.
When questioned about the situation by the Associated Press, a Justice Department spokesman declined to comment, and there were no specifics provided regarding when and what would be covered by any potential investigations. Such an investigation into Israeli behavior would be unusual, if not unprecedented.
The FBI “does not confirm or deny conducting specific investigations,” an FBI spokesman told Fox News Digital. The Department of Justice has not responded to any inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera journalist, was fatally shot while on assignment in the West Bank Palestinian town of Jenin, covering an IDF raid on terrorists in May 2022.
Gantz wrote on Twitter that the U.S. decision is a “grave mistake.” He said Israel would stand by its soldiers and not cooperate with the external investigation. “The IDF has conducted a professional, independent investigation, which was presented to American officials with whom the case details were shared.”
Abu Akleh’s brother, Tony Abu Akleh, told Al Jazeera the family was optimistic about reports of a U.S. inquiry, saying it is “very important to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar crimes. We hope this will be a turning point in the investigation into Shireen’s death,” he said.
There has been intense pressure for a U.S. inquiry from Abu Akleh’s family and Democratic members of Congress, including several moderate lawmakers known for their strong support for the US-Israel relationship, such as Sen. Robert Menendez and Sen. Corey Booker. A few days after her death, 57 Democratic lawmakers signed a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the FBI’s director demanding an independent investigation into the killing.
Several media investigations, including one by the U.N., concluded that the shot came from IDF fire and killed Abu Akleh, similar to the Palestinian position.
Israel initially dismissed the reports and claims, only to admit in September, after another extensive investigation monitored by the U.S, that an Israeli soldier likely shot Abu Akleh by mistake. The Israeli army closed the investigation and refused to indict those involved.
The announcement came after the Israeli elections which resulted in Benjamin Netanyahu being tasked with forming a new right-wing government.
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