Israeli soldier detains Palestinian youth during clashes that erupted during army operation in Nablus, 25 Feb. 2007

The Israeli army says it is investigating allegations that soldiers used Palestinian civilians as human shields during recent operations in the West Bank town of Nablus.

The army issued a statement Friday, saying it has ordered "an official" investigation into the alleged misuse of civilians by soldiers.

The Israeli human rights group B'Tselem says Israeli soldiers, in at least two incidents, forced civilians to lead them in house-to-house searches for wanted militants.

Israeli law bans the military from using human shields.

The Israeli army carried out a five-day raid into Nablus that ended two weeks ago. During the incursion, soldiers shot dead one Palestinian and detained more than 10 suspected militants.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.