Halutz: Troops violated `explicit` orders not to use cluster bombs

Source: Agencies, 21-11-2006
"Israel`s" army chief launched an investigation into the military`s use of cluster bombs in Lebanon, following media reports that he had not authorized wide use of the controversial munitions in fighting.
The "Israeli" Army claimed in a statement that Lieutenant-General Dan Halutz had appointed a commission of inquiry headed by a high-ranking officer who would "look into the implementation of all orders and instructions regarding the use of cluster type munitions [during the war]."
"Israel`s" Haaretz reported on Monday that Halutz said the orders he gave to limit the use of cluster bombs during the summer war was "explicit."
"There is no question that one of the things that must be investigated is the way in which the orders were given and implemented. Were the orders explicit? I believe that they were," Halutz was quoted as saying.
The "Israeli" daily said Halutz has named Major General Gershon Hacohen to head a probe into the use of the bombs.
"Israeli" public television said on Sunday that an inquiry had been ordered into why millions of cluster bombs had been used, despite a prohibition by Halutz.
Defense officials claimed Sunday that Halutz gave orders to shelve the lethal munitions, which spread hundreds of small bomblets around Lebanon. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to give details to reporters, said the air force followed the orders, but ground forces fired thousands of cluster bombs into Lebanon toward the end of the conflict.
Asked if he was surprised by the use of the bombs contrary to his orders, Halutz said "I don`t know if this is surprising - it is more disappointing."
For its part, "Israel`s" Yediot Aharonot daily said on its Web site that an initial probe carried out by the army had determined that "Israeli" artillery units used the munitions contrary to a ban by Halutz.
It was not clear from either report whether Halutz had issued instructions on the use of cluster bombs in any conflict, or just the 34-day war on Lebanon.
Since the August 14 cease-fire, 23 people have been killed and another 136 wounded in Lebanon by cluster bombs.
"Israel" has defended its right to use cluster bombs and says it only deploys them in accordance with international law.
The US State Department is investigating whether "Israel" violated American rules in its use of US-made rockets armed with cluster bombs during the war on Lebanon.