Israeli ex-general still in N.Zealand after threat

JERUSALEM, Dec 1 (Reuters) A former head of the Israeli army said today he was still in New Zealand despite an attempt to have him arrested by human rights groups that accuse him of war crimes against Palestinians.

Israeli media had reported yesterday that Moshe Yaalon cut short a visit to New Zealand after a warrant was issued for his arrest at the request of the groups, who wanted him tried for an air strike that killed at least 14 civilians in Gaza in 2002.

Israeli newspapers and radio stations said New Zealand's attorney general had later rescinded the warrant.

Yaalon told Israel's Army Radio that he was still in New Zealand.

''I know there was an intention to file a suit against me,'' Yaalon said. ''But I am glad New Zealand is one of the countries that implements the law the right way and does not allow people who want to make propaganda to use (the law) to attack people like us.'' Private lobbies have filed several lawsuits in foreign courts against Israeli security brass. Israel has come under fire by human rights groups for its military action against Palestinians, and the recent war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel says its actions are necessary to protect its civilians.

The Gaza air strike, which Yaalon supervised, targeted a building housing a commander from the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Yaalon had said the attack was the only way to kill the commander, despite the risk of civilian casualties.

REUTERS PDM BS1556