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17 Israeli soldiers accused of rape

Defense lawyers say an 11-year-old girl lied about her age and the sex was consensual.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published May 2, 2006

JERUSALEM - It's being described as the worst sexual abuse scandal in the army's history. At least 17 Israeli soldiers are under investigation in the statutory rape of an 11-year-old girl who lived with her family on an air force base in southern Israel.

Defense lawyers say that the girl lied to the soldiers about her age, claiming she was older, and that the sex was consensual.

The case marks a new low for the military, once Israel's most revered institution but tarnished in recent years by financial corruption and sexual misconduct.

According to limited details released by the military Monday, at least 17 Israeli air force soldiers have been investigated and several others are likely to be called in.

The girl lived with her family on the base where her father, a career military man, served.

The family has since left the base and the girl is under psychological care, the army said.

The army has been investigating the case since March and charges are expected to be filed soon against the soldiers. The army has issued a gag order on all other details related to the case.

Court cases against senior army officers charged with sexual harassment and assault have been on the upswing in recent years. Experts say it reflects a gradual shift in Israeli society toward women asserting their rights and refusing to accept behavior that used to be considered routine.

Incoming prime minister selects new Cabinet

JERUSALEM - Tzipi Livni, the rising star of Israeli politics, was named foreign minister and vice prime minister Monday in the incoming Israeli government - the second most powerful player on the nation's male-dominated political scene.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert presented Livni and the rest of his new Cabinet lineup Monday. His plan to draw Israel's borders in the next four years, with or without a peace accord with the Palestinians, is the political centerpiece of his new coalition.

Olmert is a relatively new face in the top job, replacing legendary soldier and politician Ariel Sharon, who suffered a serious stroke Jan. 4 and is still in a coma.

Labor Party leader Amir Peretz takes over as defense minister, a top post in his first Cabinet appointment. The key job of finance minister goes to another first-timer, Avraham Hirchson.

[Last modified May 2, 2006, 06:35:09]