Israeli jailed for refusing to fight in Lebanon

The first Israeli soldier punished for refusing to serve in Lebanon was sent to a military prison for 28 days yesterday. Amir Paster, 32, an infantry captain in the reserves and a postgraduate student at Tel Aviv University, was called up at the end of last week along with at least 15,000 other reservists. Another 10 Israeli soldiers are also considering refusing to serve, according to Yesh Gvul, a support group for troops refusing to fight.

Mr Paster reported to his commander on Sunday and said he objected to the war. Within hours he was before a disciplinary hearing and given the maximum sentence. "He said this war is against his moral values," said Ishai Menuchin, 48, a spokesman for Yesh Gvul, a group whose Hebrew name means "There is a limit".

Mr Paster called the group on Sunday saying he did not want to serve and asking for advice. "It is very hard to go to your commander and tell them you're not going," said Mr Menuchin. "He had to go to soldiers he has served with for 10 years and tell them."