Israeli refuseniks declared a ‘moral duty’ to no longer “take part in the state’s actions against Palestinians.”

Pressuring Palestinians to pass on information to Israel is a violation of the Geneva conventions,says rights group.

Israel’s defence minister said the refuseniks would “be treated as criminals”. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called their revelations “baseless slander”.However the 43 refuseniks maintain that the unit – despite its role in counterterrorism – is largely engaged with perpetuating “a non-democratic, military rule over the Palestinian people”.”In order to do that, it must infiltrate every aspect of Palestinian life, and this is something we cannot continue to do in good conscience,” they said.

According to the group, Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention says “compelling a protected person to serve in the forces of a hostile Power” is considered a ‘grave breach.’ War crimes include “grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions.”

But an Israeli military spokesperson said concerns were never raised with superiors.

“Immediately turning to the press instead of to their officers or relevant authorities is suspicious and raises doubts as to the seriousness of the claims,” the spokesperson said. “The Intelligence Corps has no record that the specific violations in the letter ever took place.”