Israeli Minister Appoints Commission to Investigate ConflictIsrael's Justice Minister Yossi Beilin appointed a commission of inquiry on Monday to investigate the conflict between Israeli police and Israeli Arabs that occurred in October following the outbreak of the Israel- Palestinian bloody clashes in the Palestinian territories.The commission will investigate all the events among the Israeli Arab sector and legal actions may be taken against those who violated the law. Announcing Beilin's appointment, Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein said the commission would have powers equivalent of a state commission of inquiry and any testimony offered to the commission would not be used as evidence in court. The commission members will take verbal and written testimony from any side involved, he said. Following the clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip at the end of September, Israeli Arabs also took to the streets throughout Israel and confronted with police and other security forces. The clashes lasted for several days, resulting in the death of 13 Arab citizens. Israeli Arab leaders charged police with excessive violence in quelling Arab protests. The killing of the 13 Arab citizens also angered the Israeli Arab politicians and 10 members of the Knesset (parliament) have vowed that they will not support the government led by Prime Minister Ehud Barak. The Arab Knesset members have submitted at least four no-confidence bills in the Knesset against the government and the bills will be discussed and voted later Monday. |
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