Officer refuses to take part in war
 

Officer refuses to take part in war

By JPOST.COM STAFF


Reservist officer Captain Amir Paster was sentenced on Sunday night to 28 days in a military prison for refusing to take part in the fighting in Lebanon. It was the first case of refusal to serve in the army since hostilities in Lebanon erupted.


Paster, 28, arrived at his base after being drafted and told his soldiers that he refused to take part in operations that harm innocent civilians.

The IDF spokesman strongly condemned Paster. "We view any case of refusal in the utmost severity. So far, the IDF has drafted a very large reservist contingent, the vast majority of whom have reported for duty," the army said.

"In this isolated case, an officer cynically used his rank. Army officers do not pick their missions and are expected to set a personal example to their soldiers. The IDF will continue to deliberate on how to further deal with this officer," the statement read.


Jerusalem Post, 31-07-2006