IDF Soldier Filmed Shooting Palestinian Amid Settler-Palestinian Clashes

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier was filmed on Saturday shooting a Palestinian in the lower body during clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians near Jenin in the northern West Bank. Palestinian reports indicate the injured individual is in moderate condition. The IDF stated that the incident is being investigated by commanders and its findings will be transferred to the relevant authorities for review.

The confrontation began with reports of friction between settlers and Palestinians near the 'Zait Ba'Gilboa' farm, involving a gathering of Palestinians around a shepherd on grazing land. According to reports from the scene, stones were thrown at the shepherd, prompting a response that included firing into the air and the shot that hit the Palestinian, who was evacuated by the Red Crescent. An initial IDF review found the shepherd was initially on grazing land and moved beyond it after the stone-throwing. The brigade commander is investigating the matter.

Separately, the High Court of Justice issued an interim order earlier this week demanding the state and the IDF explain why a Palestinian family cannot return to their home in the village of Qusra, near Nablus. The judges sharply criticized the authorities' inaction against settler riots, questioning why soldiers were seen playing soccer with rioters and why vehicles were not confiscated. This decision followed a petition by residents of the village of Jalud against the commander of the West Bank forces, the head of the Civil Administration, the Israel Police, and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The court's ruling detailed that harassment began in April 2026 with the establishment of an illegal outpost called 'Giv'at HaTzambirim' on private Palestinian land. The petitioners were forced to leave their homes on July 22, 2026, due to a siege, violent invasion, and severe damage, including cut water lines, uprooted trees, and a burned vehicle. Despite IDF evacuation of rioters with orders, they reportedly returned and took over homes once soldiers left. The court emphasized that the IDF bears ultimate responsibility as the military commander is sovereign in the area and responsible for Palestinian safety.

The court also noted that the phenomenon contradicts Israel's fundamental moral values and principles as a Jewish and democratic state, as well as principles of freedom, honesty, and justice. The High Court ordered the state, IDF, and police to coordinate the residents' return within two weeks and provide security. Furthermore, the court issued an order nisi requiring respondents to justify why the petitioners would not be returned to their homes and why blockades and obstacles would not be removed. The state must submit a response affidavit and updates on enforcement and investigation actions by October 8. Jewish rioters had reportedly besieged homes in Qusra for weeks, and last week a 19-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with a recent incident where dozens of masked individuals on white pickup trucks were documented storming the village. Palestinians reported several injured individuals when settlers took over a structure from which stones were thrown.