Jan. 28: No Self-Investigation Could Be Worse For Israel

By Sylvia Gurinsky

If Israel is to be a true "light unto the nations," it needs to do its own full and open investigation of accusations of war crimes in Gaza during 2008-09.

Before someone else does.

IDF soldiers tried to come forward. Too many Israelis - especially those in the government - have wanted to turn their backs on what those soldiers have said. Maybe because they don't want to believe. Maybe because they're in denial. Maybe because, to paraphrase Jack Nicholson's character in the film "A Few Good Men," they can't handle the truth.

But not investigating those complaints opens Israel to more international investigations - and diplomatic problems far more severe than a British judge trying to have members of the Israeli government who set foot in the United Kingdom arrested.

During the last two weeks, we have seen the best of Israel on display with the heroic actions of its rescue workers in Haiti.

Israel needs to continue to show its best - and open itself up to its own scrutiny.