I think I can see where Keith's confusion arose -

2009

January 5 The Times reports tell-tale smoke above Gaza. An Israeli military official says: "We categorically deny the use of white phosphorus."

January 8 The Times runs pictures of white phosphorus shells stockpiles. Major Avital Leibovich, a military spokesman, says: "This is what we call a quiet shell - it has no explosives and no white phosphorus. It is not for killing people."

January 12 The Times finds more than 50 phosphorus burns victims in hospital

January 14 Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff, says: "The IDF acts only in accordance with international law and does not use white phosphorus ."

January 16 UN Relief and Works Agency HQ hit with phosphorus munitions

January 21 Major Leibovich admits use of white phosphorus "according to international law". Major- General Amir Eshel, the army's head of strategic planning, says: "It is the most non-lethal kind of weapon. I don't see any issue with that."

January 23 Israel launches investigation into white phosphorus munitions:
"Some practices could be illegal. The IDF is holding an investigation concerning one specific unit and one incident."

April 22 Israeli military official tells The Times that a "media buzz" led to the order to stop using white phosphorus shells

The results of IDF investigations into alleged violations committed by the military during the operation, in which more than a thousand Palestinians were killed. ……

'An Israeli official said that inquiries "revealed a very small number of incidents in which intelligence or operational errors took place". By and large, the army had "maintained a high professional and moral level".

The incidents included an attack that killed 21 people when forces targeted a home rather than a nearby weapon storage facility.
"These unfortunate incidents are unavoidable and occur in all combat situations, in particular of the type which Hamas forced on the IDF by choosing to fight from within the civilian population," the official said.'

Human Rights Watch said: "We consider the IDF investigations a cover-up for serious violations of international law"

And yes!…
They also accused Hamas of seriously violated the laws of war but then we in the West are not supporting Hamas politically and finacially

"Israel backs down over white phosphorus"
The Times April 23, 2009