Israelis among most enthusiastic supporters of torture

Only in Israel, Nigeria and the United States do more people advocate torture of an enemy combatant than oppose such behavior, according to a new survey by the International Red Cross.

The survey on war covered 15 countries, including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Switzerland.

Most of the countries are involved in violent conflicts.

Respondents were asked, “Can a captured enemy combatant be tortured to obtain important military information?”

Israelis supported the use of torture in such a situation by 50 percent to 25 percent, with the rest unsure or preferring not to answer.

The survey’s average was against by 48 percent to 36 percent.